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My Norwich

Standing for election

Qualifications and eligibility

  • You don't need any previous experience.
  • An understanding of how a council works would be helpful, although you will be offered training.
  • People of all backgrounds are welcome – the greater the mix of people, the more effectively the council can reflect the views of its community.

You must be:

  • at least 18 on the day of nomination
  • a British subject or an Irish Republic or European Union citizen living in the United Kingdom
  • on Norwich City Council’s electoral register or have lived, worked or owned property in the district for at least the last 12 months.

You will also need to have your nomination signed by 10 people who are on the electoral register in the ward you wish to contest

You can't stand for election if you:

  • already work for Norwich City Council
  • are the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order
  • have a criminal conviction involving a prison sentence of three months or more (including a suspended sentence) in the last five years
  • are otherwise specifically disqualified from holding office by order of the court.

Job description

Time commitment ranges from a few hours each week to several hours every day eg attending training, meetings and reading associated papers.

You are likely to receive a large amount of post, telephone calls and emails.

There is no salary for being a councillor as it is regarded as a public service, however, each councillor receives a basic allowance. There are also allowances to cover the cost of travel and to provide carer support to enable attendance at meetings and other official duties.

Find out more about becoming a councillor on Gov.uk.

Standing for a political party or as an independent candidate

If you are thinking of standing for a political party, you should get in touch with that party’s local organisation.

More information about political parties can be found on the register of political parties section of the Electoral Commission website. You don't have to join a political group; many people stand as independents (a candidate who does not belong to a particular political party).

Nominations and candidate guide

Download nomination papers and a candidate guide at the Electoral Commission website.

See our privacy notice for information about what we do with your personal data.

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