How to become a Councillor
How can I become a Councillor? The majority of candidates for these elections stand as representatives of political parties. However, anyone is entitled to stand as a candidate provided they meet the following principal qualifications. What are the qualifications? You must be at least 18 years old on both polling day and the day of nomination and you must be a British citizen, a citizen of the Irish Republic, the Commonwealth or another member state of the European Union. You must also meet at least one of the following 4 qualifications:- (a) be a registered elector for the area of the Borough of Wandsworth at nomination and on polling day; or (b) for the whole of the previous 12 months have:-
(c) for that 12 months, have had your principal or only place of work in that area.
Are there any disqualifications?
Certain exceptions may apply so you should check the position carefully before consenting to your nomination as candidate. How do I get nominated? If you are standing as a candidate for a registered political party you would also be required to submit a certificate, from the party's nominating officer, authorising your candidacy and use of the party's description and emblem. If you are standing independently, the ballot paper would either describe you as "Independent" or give no description at all for you. You must also give, in writing, your consent to your nomination. All these documents must be submitted to the Returning Officer by noon 19 working days before polling day. Would I have to pay a deposit?
Where can I get more information? Gerald Jones Tel: 020 8871 6001 If you are interested in standing in any elections to the Council, please let Gerald Jones know as soon as possible and he will send you details, the various forms and the detailed election timetable when they become available. Further details (covering issues such as the role of your election agent, the legal requirements which your campaign material must comply with, your campaign spending limits, declaring your election expenses and donations) are available on The Electoral Commission's website at Are there other elections in Wandsworth? Westminster Parliaments can last for up to 5 years and the next General Election is due to be held by June 2010. Wandsworth comprises 3 Parliamentary Constituencies, each returning an MP. The Acting Returning Officer for these elections is Gerald Jones. The European Parliament has a fixed term of 5 years and the next election is due in June 2009. Wandsworth is included with all other London boroughs to form the London Region Constituency for the European Parliament. A Regional Returning Officer is normally appointed to co-ordinate the elections across London, whilst the election in Wandsworth is conducted by Gerald Jones as the Local Returning Officer. The elections for Mayor of London and members of the London Assembly take place every 4 years and the next elections are due on 1 May 2008. The Greater London Returning Officer co-ordinates these elections across London, whilst the elections in the Constituency comprising Wandsworth and neighbouring Merton are conducted by Gerald Jones as the Constituency Returning Officer for the 2 boroughs. Additional information on how to stand as a candidate in these elections and related issues can be obtained as follows:- Westminster Parliament - www.electoralcommission.org.uk - Factsheet. European Parliament - www.electoralcommission.org.uk - Factsheet. Mayor of London As Gerald Jones undertakes a leading role locally in each of these elections, he can also provide further background information on them. He can be contacted as shown above for local elections.
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