How do I become a Councillor? - Print version

Becoming a Councillor?

Thinking of becoming a councillor?

If you are interested in becoming a councillor, then read on…

Being a councillor is all about giving back to your community by bringing your energy, passion, and hard-working attitude. As a Coventry City Councillor you can make a real difference to our city and wider society . For example, you could be representing the views of local people to ensure the community gets the right services, supporting a resident with an issue, or helping to shape the future of the city by driving new ideas. 

If you care about your community and are looking for a worthwhile and rewarding way to help, becoming a councillor may be the perfect choice for you.

These webpages will provide you with an outline about what you need to know about becoming a councillor and how to proceed once you have made the decision to stand for election. You can also download a pdf [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/8499/becoming-a-councillor-booklet] or request the booklet which provides this information.

If you want to help make things better in the city, represent local people, and play a part in Coventry's future, you should become a city councillor.

Why become a councillor?

People choose to become councillors for a variety of reasons:

• you may feel strongly about a particular issue or the well-being of your community as a whole and feel you would like the opportunity to influence decision making on these issues.
• you may see yourself as a good spokesperson for your community and feel you could represent the views of the people living in your area.
• you may want to pursue political beliefs.
• you may have specific skills and knowledge that you would like to use to benefit your community.
• you may already be part of local organisation and feel that becoming a councillor would be a natural progression.

Some see becoming a councillor as an extension of what they are already doing. Maybe you are already active in a political party, trade union, or school Governing Body, and the next step for you is to become a councillor.

Quotes from people who have undertaken the role

“At Coventry City Council we have 54 seats that are up for election on 7 May 2026. This offers you the perfect opportunity to stand as a representative of your local community and become a councillor (also known as an elected member). Anyone can be a councillor and it’s important for our local democracy that we have people of all ages and from all backgrounds to represent a wide range of local views. You have a unique opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives. It is hard work you can expect to have to balance the needs of your local area, your residents and voters, community groups, local businesses and the Council on a daily basis; but it is very rewarding as you know you are giving back to your City and Communities”

“We hope that this document will be helpful for anyone who is thinking of standing for election and is interested in finding out about the role of the councillor. The local election process for Coventry City Council begins in March 2026 when a Notice of Election will be published.”

 George Duggins – Leader of the City Council and Labour Group
 

“Councillors come in all shapes and sizes! Some are younger, older, some have careers others are retired. What they all have in common is a desire to give something back to their community and make the world a better place. I’ve been a councillor for nearly two decades and it’s been a big part of my life during that time. It can be hard work, and there are a lot of competing demands. But it’s been extremely rewarding to have played my part in the governance of the city – both as a Cabinet Member and more recently as Leader of the Opposition. Not everyone will be expected to take on leadership roles, but there are lots of ways councillors make a difference. So if you’d like to get involved, what’s stopping you?”

Gary Ridley – Leader of the Conservative Group

“As a councillor you are a representative in the council for all your residents regardless of if they voted for you. It’s different every day, you might join residents campaigning about a local issue, help someone with problems ranging from housing to flytipping or be in a meeting where you are looking in depth at how a specific service is functioning. It’s a lot to learn when you first start especially when it comes to what your responsibilities are or how council meetings work but you will be offered training on all the basics and there is an amazing team in members services to help you so don’t be put off standing. “

Esther Reeves – Leader of the Green and Independent Alliance Group

“Being a Councillor is a surprisingly broad role that can wondrously morph into something beyond what you first thought. It requires a servant heart to do well. It is challenging but rewarding too; from seeing physical improvements to your ward and city, to helping individual residents resolve complex problems whilst supporting community groups to flourish to do what only they can. You’ll also play a vital role in making local government accountable to the people, which lies at the core of a properly functioning democracy”

Jackie Gardner – Leader of the Reform UK Group

What do councillors do and why are they important?

What do councillors do?

Councillors are elected to represent local residents in an individual geographical unit of the Council known as a Ward. The role of a Councillor can be varied and it is up to each individual Councillor how they work. Councillors
have responsibilities to their ward, to the Council and to the community.

Councillors work with local people and partners, such as community groups, businesses and other organisations, to agree and deliver on local priorities. The decisions are implemented by permanent council staff, council officers, who deliver services on a daily basis.  

The role of a councillor is to serve and represent everyone in the ward that they are elected to (and not just those who voted for them). Some are also appointed to additional roles in the council, such as being a cabinet member.  

The role brings people together. Councillors work with a diverse range of people from their community and have officers to support them in their role at the council. Councillors lead the local conversation: you can be part of that to make your area the best place it can be.  

It’s a varied and highly fulfilling role, and no day is the same. 

Councillors must adhere to the Code of Conduct which sets out the standards and behaviours expected of councillors and elected members. The code of conduct is based on the Seven Principles of Public Life (Nolan Principles).

Building on these principles, the following general principles have been developed specifically for the role of councillor.

In accordance with the public trust placed in me, on all occasions:

• I act with integrity and honesty
• I act lawfully
• I treat all persons fairly and with respect; and
• I lead by example and act in a way that secures public confidence in the role of councillor.

In undertaking my role:

• I impartially exercise my responsibilities in the interests of the local community
• I do not improperly seek to confer an advantage, or disadvantage, on any person
• I avoid conflicts of interest
• I exercise reasonable care and diligence; and
• I ensure that public resources are used prudently in accordance with my local authority’s requirements and in the public interest.

You can find out more about the Councillor Code of Conduct here:  

Local Government Association Model Councillor Code of Conduct 2020 | Local Government Association [https://www.local.gov.uk/publications/local-government-association-model-councillor-code-conduct-2020]

If you are interested in viewing a Council meeting these are webcast and available on our website - https://www.coventry.gov.uk/meetings-1/full-council [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/meetings-1/full-council]
 

There are written rules, which govern behaviour and procedures at  meetings included in the ‘Council Constitution’ and these enable councillors to take part effectively. The Constitution – Coventry City Council [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/strategies-plans-policies/constitution]

Mr Peter Wiseman, OBE, LLB – An Independent Member of the Council’s Ethics Committee states:

“A successful local authority is always underpinned by sound governance. They go hand in glove and, if they don’t, things can go horribly wrong. The responsibility is shared between Councillors and Officers. The Nolan Principles and the City’s Code of Conduct for Councillors are the key to achieving success and avoiding failure. I would hope that they would become so firmly entrenched in the “DNA” of every Councillor that, whenever they are conducting Council business, the Nolan Principles and the Code would be applied automatically: ie. they had become second nature. This is the best way to ensure that outcomes and any decisions reached are robust having passed through respectful debate and scrutiny. I would argue that it is only by Councillors adhering to the highest standards of conduct in this way that it is possible to retain the trust and confidence of the public in the City Council. This guidance should go a long way towards achieving this goal.”

Why are councillors important?

Councillors play a key part in the City as they:

• are a voice for the community, representing local people and communities;
• are champions of those who use local services;
• help shape future services for the benefit of local people;
• work in partnership with other organisations such as:
  •  police 
  • voluntary and community sector
  • other public bodies
  • the private sector
• play a major role in improving the quality of life for the people within the City of Coventry

Information I need to know about being a councillor

Who can become a councillor?

We need people from all backgrounds and experiences that reflect the communities they serve to put themselves forward for election.
 
To stand for election, on the day of nomination, you must be:

• 18 or over,
• British or citizen of the Commonwealth, you may also be eligible as a citizen of the European Union, however, the criteria has changed now that the UK has left the European Union. Please check on EU citizens voting and candidacy rights in local elections.
• registered to vote in the area or have lived, worked or owned property there for at least 12 months before an election.

You cannot stand if you:

• work for Coventry City Council;
• you can work for another local authority as long as you are not in a political restricted post.;
• are the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order;
• have served a prison sentence (including suspended sentences) of three months or more within five years prior to the election;
• have been disqualified under any legislation relating to corrupt or illegal practices.
• are subject to any relevant notification requirements, or a relevant order, in respect of a sexual offence.

Do I have to belong to a political party or group?

You can either stand as an independent candidate or by joining a group or political party. 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. There is a link in 'Useful Contacts' to the register of political parties.

Do I need any skills, experience or special qualifications?

You don’t need any experience, educational or special qualifications. Your experience and knowledge gained through being an active member of local groups and organisations, raising a family or being a carer for a family member can equip you with valuable life skills which will be beneficial in your role as a councillor.

It is important that the councillors are able to represent the diverse communities that they serve and so a broad range of skills and experiences will be beneficial.

You will receive training and become more experienced and confident once elected. There can be a steep learning curve, but it is worth it for what you can achieve for your community. 

There are a number of useful skills which help councillors carry out their role.

Some useful skills for being a councillor include: 

• being a leader in your community
• knowledge of the area
• confidence
• integrity
• having good communication skills
• partnership and team working
• problem solving, questioning and analytical skills
• being flexible, adaptable and open-minded
• being organised and having good time management
• having political understanding.
• resilience
• empathy

You can read more about the role and skills for councillors in the Political Skills Framework [https://www.local.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/read-revised-version-poli-243.pdf] and the 21st Century Councillor [https://21stcenturypublicservant.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/21st-century-councillor.pdf] as well as the Improving Access to Elected Office guidebook [https://www.local.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Improving%20access%20to%20local%20government%20elected%20office%20for%20disable%20people_0.pdf] for disabled people for further support. 

Can I have a job and be a councillor?

By law, if you are working, your employer must allow you to take a reasonable amount of time off during working hours to perform your duties as a councillor. The amount of time given will depend on your responsibilities and the effect of your absence on your employer's business. Council meetings are held during the working day and you will need to attend several meetings in person.  Employers can choose to pay you for this time, but they don’t have to.  

We would encourage you to discuss as soon as possible with your employer before making the commitment to stand for election. 

Many employers are supportive and understand the importance, value and mutual benefits of their employees contributing to the community in this way.   

There are many benefits to both employee and employer – practical work experience, skills and knowledge which can be transferred into any workplace, and the role can be career-enhancing.   

Being a councillor provides:  

• Practical work experience: council work is incredibly varied (as the council runs over 700 services) and links to all aspects of our life and therefore all types of employment.  
• New skills: such as leadership skills, communication skills, reading reports, influencing skills and speaking at meetings or events. 
• Knowledge: about the local community, how councils, government and the wider public sector work; as well as topics from culture and biodiversity, mental and physical health, to finance and budgets. 
• Confidence: gained through new experiences, challenges and achievements for the local area.

Whats involved in being a councillor?

How much time is involved in being a councillor?

The time commitment will depend on your role within the council, the number of
duties you decide to take on and the demands of your constituents but the role can be done flexibly around employment, studying, caring, and other voluntary commitments. It could range from a few hours each week to a few hours each day at busier times but you should attend every committee to which you have been appointed as well as Full Council meetings

Either way, your time as a councillor will be split between your two key responsibilities; your ward and the council.

While much of the day-to-day work of a councillor takes place outside of formal meetings, you will be required to attend some council meetings to:   

• represent community views, needs and ideas 
• help create strategies, policies and plans 
• make decisions and/or review decisions taken.

What you may want to consider

These are just a few of the considerations you will need to make before you take on the responsibility of a councillor.

• You work for the people of your ward but you work for them in conjunction with the council and its officers.
• How your role as a councillor will impact on any family and personal relationships – you will need their support and understanding as you may be spending a lot of your spare time on council business.
• You will be a member of at least one committee or be on the Cabinet. Nearly all committee meetings are held in the day.
• Your meetings/commitments may not be evenly spread out over the cycle so some weeks you may be out at more times than others.
• If you are elected as a chair, spokesperson or member of the Cabinet, the role can be very demanding as you will take responsibility for making decisions that affect the lives of the people of Coventry.
• The people you represent will look to you for help in dealing with their problems. You are likely to receive a lot of post, emails and telephone calls, and not every caller will telephone at what you might think is a reasonable hour!
• Most councillors hold at least one drop in surgery each month, some hold two or even three surgeries in this period. You may spend some of your time visiting constituents at their homes, or at the council offices, and you may also have to meet with officers of the council to help you with any issues.
• There are approximately 10 Full Council meetings a year which are held on a Tuesday, these are formal meetings that you will be expected to attend. Most meetings start at 2.00pm and can last up to three hours, and sometimes longer.
• For most of the meetings you attend there will be agendas and reports that you will need to read beforehand. These can be quite detailed and take time to read and understand.
• While campaigning, all candidates should refer to and follow the Electoral Commission's guidance. This can be read at electoralcommission.org.uk/guidance-candidates-and-agents-local-government-elections-england/campaigning. In particular, candidates should avoid statements that suggest you will noy consider evidence or officer advice at the decision-making stage. Do not say "I will vote against X no matter what" or similar wording. Instead use phrases like: "I have concerns about this proposal, but I will consider all evidence before making a decision."

Member of a political party?

There will be additional calls on your time to attend political group meetings. Political groups require their members to attend group meetings in advance of council meetings and possibly training events/seminars organised by the political party.

What support will I get and do I get paid?

What support will I get?

As already mentioned, regardless of what skills and attributes you bring with you, it is likely you will have a lot to learn about the workings of local government. This is nothing to worry about as you will be supported through an induction programme and ongoing development plans to ensure that you have the skills and training you need to fulfil your role as a councillor.

Some of the training and development will be compulsory dependent upon your role and other training may be optional. You will receive regular updates and information on available training opportunities and you can choose the courses which you think will enable you to develop into your role as a councillor.

The Member Services Team provides personal assistance and administrative support to councillors to assist them in carrying out their council duties including ward casework. We will ensure that reasonable adjustments are also supported if required to enable you to undertake your role, The Team does not support party political work.

You will also be provided with IT equipment and office space to support your in  your role.

There will be an induction programme once you are elected covering things such as:

• Directorate marketplace 
• Digital induction (laptop email set up etc)
• Code of Conduct
• Hitting the Ground Running (delivered by the LGA)
• Data protection and cyber security
• Council finances and the budget
• Safeguarding
• Chamber skills
• Procedure for meetings
• Committee training (e.g. Planning, Licensing)
• The role of Scrutiny

Although it can seem daunting at first, the Council is here to support and help in any way we can. Remember, there is no expectation that you will automatically know how to be a councillor.

Will I get paid for my duties?

There is no salary for being a councillor. However, you will be paid an allowance to reimburse you for the time and expenses incurred whilst on council business.
Every councillor is entitled to a basic allowance (£16,886 for the year 2025/26) which is paid into a bank account in 12 monthly instalments along with additional re-imbursement to cover all council related travelling and subsistence when carrying out ‘approved duties’.
Some councillors are given an additional allowance to cover any special responsibilities such as Executive member, scrutiny chair/spokesperson, among others. For example, the chairs of council committees currently receive £8,431 per year in addition to the basic allowance. For more information about the members’ allowance scheme please download the Council’s constitution. The Constitution – Coventry City Council [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/strategies-plans-policies/constitution]

Elections and how they work

In England and Wales, over 19,000 people represent their communities by serving as councillors on a local authority. Councillors are elected to represent an individual geographical unit of the council known as a Ward (District)
or Division (County). In the City of Coventry, a third of councillors are elected each year, once every 4 years. However, in some councils all councillors are elected every four years. Elections are held on the first Thursday in May,
with the next elections due on 7 May 2026. It is important to note that at the elections in 2026 there will be elections for all councillors due to new ward boundaries being implemented following a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.

If a councillor resigns or dies whilst in office, a by-election is held to elect another person to represent the ward. Councillors elected at a by-election serve the remaining period of the 4-year term. However, where a vacancy occurs within 6 months of the date of when the previous councillor was up for re-election, then the seat is vacant until the next election.

Steps to being elected

To become a councillor, you will need to stand as a candidate in a local election. This involves:

• completing nomination forms to have your name included on the
  ballot paper;
• appointing an Election Agent to report your campaign finances after
  the election;
• run your campaign;
• canvass electors for votes;
• producing election material in accordance with the election rules;
• conducting interviews with the press and media;
• attend key events;
• make an acceptance speech at the election count (hopefully).

Before every election we hold ‘Candidate and Agent Briefing Sessions’ to provide you with the key information that you will need and give you a step by step guide to the nominations process.

There is detailed advice available to candidates and agents on the Electoral Commissions website that it is important to read.: Guidance for Candidates and Agents at local government elections in England | Electoral Commission [https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/guidance-candidates-and-agents-local-government-elections-england]

Nomination Process

The nomination process involves completing a number of different forms. Copies and guidance for completing these forms can be downloaded from the Electoral Commission [https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk]. Forms you will need to complete:

• Nomination form
• Candidate's consent to nomination
• Home address form
• Certificate of authorisation (if standing for a political party)
• Request for a party emblem (if standing for a political party)
• Notification of election agent

The nomination form must be endorsed by the signatures of two registered electors (known as subscribers) from the ward in which you are standing.

If you attend the ‘Candidate and Agent Briefing Sessions’ you'll be able to obtain a printed copy of the nomination pack, if you require one. The nomination pack will include nomination forms, timetables and guidance notes.

Next steps

If you have made the decision to stand you will need to make sure you are officially nominated. You will need to complete a nomination pack which you can download from the Electoral Commission’s website or from the Elections Team (these will be available from beginning of March 2026) by contacting electionbackoffice@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:electionbackoffice@coventry.gov.uk] or calling 024 7697 5226.

Useful Contacts

If you are interested in other political parties-
Visit the register of political parties, accessible via the Electoral Commission’s
website: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk [https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/]

The Electoral Commission
3 Bunhill Row, London EC1Y 8YZ
T: 020 7271 0500 (switchboard)
W: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk [https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/]

Local Government Association (LGA)
Local Government House, Smith Square, London SW1P 3HZ
T: 020 7664 3000
W: https://www.local.gov.uk [https://www.local.gov.uk/]

Local Government Information Unit (LGIU)
Third Floor, 251 Pentonville Road, Islington, London N1 9NG
T: 020 7554 2800
W: https://www.lgiu.org [https://lgiu.org/]

Be a Councillor (Local Government Association)
https://www.local.gov.uk/be-councillor [https://www.local.gov.uk/be-councillor]

Contact us
Coventry City Council
Council Offices, Earl Street, Coventry CV1 5RR
T: 024 7683 3034
W: www.coventry.gov.uk [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/]

Prospective Councillor, Candidates and Agents Briefing Dates

Prospective Councillor briefing 

On Wednesday 25 February 2026 at 6.15pm we will be holding an event to provide information to people interested in becoming a councillor. The session will cover what it means to be a councillor, time commitment, what support you will receive amongst other things. There will also be information around the nomination process, how to complete your nomination paper and general information around the campaign and count.

Candidates and Agents briefings

We are holding two sessions for candidates and agents which will provide information on the election timetable, nomination process, the count and general information around the campaign.

They will be on Saturday 28 February at 10am and Thursday 5 March at 6.15pm.

You can book on any of these sessions [http://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/service/Prospective_Councillor_and_Candidates_and_Agents_Briefings].