Standing for Election

Am I Eligible to Stand for Election?

The election of all 26 Borough Councillors to Oadby & Wigston Borough Council occurs every four years in May.

To stand for election, on the day of nomination, you must be:

• 18 or over
• A UK, EU or Commonwealth citizen

You must meet at least one of the following qualifications:

• Be registered to vote as a local government elector in the area
• Occupied as owner or tenant any land or other premises in the local authority area
• Your main or only place of work is in the local authority area
• Live in the local authority area

You cannot stand if:

• You work for the Council
• You hold a politically restricted post for another local authority
• You are bankrupt
• You have served a prison sentence (including suspended sentences) of 3 months or more within 5 years before the election
• You have been disqualified under any legislation relating to corrupt or illegal electoral practices

• You are subject to certain relevant notification requirements or orders due to sexual offences

Standing as a Councillor for a Political Party

The majority of people become Councillors as a result of joining a political party.

However, you do not need to be a member of a political party to stand as a Councillor. You will be classed as an independent.

If you are thinking of standing as a candidate for a particular political party, then you will need to be a member of that party's local organisation.

What Do I Do Next?

Once you have decided to stand for election as a Councillor, you will need to complete and return a Nomination Pack by the required deadline.

You will need to be proposed and then seconded by another person.

The independent group of the Local Government Association (LGA) has prepared a helpful guide for Councillors and candidates (please see below).

Full details of the electoral process including the nomination procedure are available on request by contacting Electoral Services.