QUALIFICATIONS TO BECOME A COUNCILLOR

A person is qualified if they are a British subject or a qualifying Commonwealth citizen or a European Union citizen (this is not expected to change prior to the election but may well change after Brexit), and are over 18 years of age.  In addition they must also meet at least one of four other criteria:-

1. You are, at the date of your nomination (and continue to be) on the electoral register as a local government elector for the Parish in which you wish to stand.
2. You  have occupied as owner or tenant any land or premises in the Parish during the whole of the 12 months before the day of your nomination and the day of the election.
3. You had your principal or only place of work in the Parish during the whole of the 12 months before the day of your nomination and the day of election.
4. You have either, during the whole of the 12 months before the day on which nominated as a candidate, or the day of the election, resided in the Parish or within 3 miles.

DISQUALIFICATIONS TO BECOME A COUNCILLOR

These are extensive but the main ones are:-

1. Hold a paid office for the Council i.e. caretaker employed by the Council.
2. Are the subject of a bankruptcy restriction.
3. Have been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of three months or more (including a suspended sentence), without the option of a fine, during the five years before polling day.
4. Have been disqualified under the Representation of the People Act 1983 (which covers corrupt or illegal electoral practices and offences relating to donations).