How do I become 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 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