Most people standing in the elections to become a councillor will be doing so as part of a political party, but anyone can be a candidate who is over 18 years old; is British, a 'qualifying' Commonwealth citizen[1] or an EU citizen; qualifies as local[2] and are not disqualified[3].
So what do you need to do if you want to stand?
You will need to obtain a nomination form from the Returning Officer (this is a mostly ceremonial post, in practice the administration of the election is handled by the Acting Returning Officer and the council electoral services department). As well as your full name and address, the form will ask how you want to be known on the ballot paper, so if you are better known in the community by another name it can still appear. You will also need to get the signatures of 10 registered electors.
In order for your nomination as a candidate to be valid, you will have to state that you meet the qualification criteria, are not disqualified from standing and give your date of birth. This will need to be provided in writing as a formal consent to nomination.
The deadline for nominations is Noon, 8 April 2010
For full definitive guidance see the Candidates and agents page on the Electoral Commission website.
[1]A qualifying Commonwealth citizen for candidates is defined as a citizen of a country listed in the British Nationality Act 1981 as a Commonwealth country and who does not require leave to remain in the UK or who has indefinite leave to remain.
[2]They have lived/worded or occupied property in the area for the last 12 months or is registered as an elector
[3]By working for the local authority, being a bankrupt or convict, or having being disqualified from standing under the laws that govern elections.
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