Becoming a Local Councillor
If you wanted to stand as a Councillor in Dartford you would need to be:
- At least 18 years old – there is no maximum age limit
- Registered as a local government elector in the Borough of Dartford; or have lived or had your principal place of work in the borough for 12 months before standing; or have been an owner or tenant of any land or premises in the borough for a least 12 months before standing.
You do not need any formal qualifications to stand as a councillor, but you cannot stand if:
- You work for your local council
- Hold a politically restricted post for another organisation
- Are subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order,
- If you have served a prison sentence (including suspended sentences) of three months or more within five years prior to the election,
- Or you have been disqualified under any legislation relating to corrupt or illegal practices
Do I have to belong to a political party or group?
You do not have to belong to a political party to stand for election. It is possible to stand as an independent (a candidate who does not belong to a particular political party). However, if you're thinking of standing as a candidate for a particular party then you will need to be a member of that party's local organisation
How long will I be a councillor?
The term of office is four years. At the end of this time you can retire or stand for re-election. The next Dartford Borough Council Elections will take place on 7 May 2015.
How do I stand as a Councillor?
Guidance on becoming a Local Councillor is produced by the Electoral Commission, click here for more details:
http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/candidate-or-agent/local-elections-england-and-wales
