So you want to be a candidate to become a Councillor within
Wyre Forest?
This page offers general guidance to anyone who is considering
standing as a candidate, within Wyre Forest, especially at local
elections.
Most candidates at elections stand as representatives of a
political party and will be authorised (as they must be) to use its
description, party logo and so on. It is, however, also possible
for candidates to stand as independents.
You should be aware that there are certain disqualifications
from standing as a candidate for Wyre Forest. If you are in doubt
as to whether you are qualified to stand you should make your own
checks. In brief, for district council elections, a candidate for
Wyre Forest must be the following:
- 18 years old on the day of nomination
- A British citizen or the citizen of a Commonwealth country or
the republic of Ireland or another European Union State
- A local government elector within the Wyre Forest (or the owner
or tenant of property in its area for 12 months up to the election
or employed in that area for 12 months or resident in that area for
12 months).
- A person must not be disqualified from being a candidate.
For parish council elections the qualifications are similar but
in addition a person is qualified to stand if he/she has resided
for the 12 months up to nomination day in the parish or within 4.8
kilometres of it.
In addition:
- You must not be employed by Wyre Forest District Council or by
any local authority in a politically restricted post;
- You must not have been made bankrupt (or similar);
- You must not within the 5 years up to election day have been
convicted of an offence and received a sentence of imprisonment of
three months or more;
- You must not be disqualified under any legislation relating to
corrupt or illegal practices in elections.
You will need the support of at least 10 electors for the
District Ward you wish to contest in completing your nomination
paper.
No financial deposit is required of those standing as candidates
at local government elections.
Nominations may be received by the Returning Officer, Civic
Centre, Stourport on Severn, DY13 8UJ within the period laid down
by law for each particular election. No late nomination papers can
be accepted. Every nomination paper submitted must be accompanied
by a form of candidate’s consent to the nomination. If the
candidate stands, using a description which would imply association
with a registered political party, that party’s nominating officer
must have issued a certificate giving permission for this before
the nomination can be accepted. If the candidate wishes to appoint
an election agent the form making this appointment must be
submitted by the statutory date. Where no agent is appointed the
candidate is automatically deemed to be his/her own agent.
For further information, you can Download a
guide to becoming a councillor
(141K)
alternatively visit
the Be a Councillor website.
View
the Neighbourhood Leadership chart (14K)
Elections Office: 01562 732728
Email: electoral@wyreforestdc.gov.uk