How to become a Conservative Councillor for Rochford District Council

How can I become a Conservative Councillor for Rochford District Council?

Elections are held every four years, not all of the 39 seats at the same time, but in thirds. Occasionally there is an election in a particular ward midterm.

The majority of candidates for these seats stand as representatives of political parties; at present 32 of the 39 seats are held by our party. There are 5 Lib Dem and 2 independent Councillors. Anyone can stand as a candidate provided they meet the following principal qualifications.

What qualifications do I need?

The qualifications are:-

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 qualifications:-

• be a registered elector for the area of the District of Rochford at nomination and on polling day; or
• for the whole of the previous twelve months have; lived in that area or occupied, as owner or tenant, any land or premises in that area
• for that 12 months, have had your principal or only place of work in that area.

Are there any things that would disqualify me from becoming a councillor?

Yes. If you a person::-

• who works for Rochford District Council
• who has been adjudged bankrupt
• who has been sentenced to prison for 3 months or more in the previous 5 years;

this may disqualify you from being a candidate for us.

Certain exceptions may apply so you should check the position carefully before consenting to your nomination as a candidate.

How do I get nominated?

Each candidate must be nominated by a separate nomination paper, signed by 10 registered electors of the Ward in which you are to stand.

As you will be standing as one of our candidates you will also be required to submit a certificate from our nominating officer authorising your candidacy and use of our party’s description and emblem.

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.

Just relax; if you are one of our candidates we will take care of all this for you

Is there anything else I should know?

To be one of our Candidates you do have to be a member of the Conservative party.

Where do I get more information from:-

Just ring our office in Bellingham Lane (01268 742044) and ask to speak with Hilton, or click here to  e-mail us and we’ll get back to you!