Stand for election

Who can and can't stand and where to find guidance

Anyone can stand as long as they are: 

  • British or a citizen of the Commonwealth or European Union 
  • at least 18 years old
  • registered to vote in the area or have lived, worked or owned property there for at least 12 months before an election

You can't be a councillor if you:

  • work for the council you want to be a councillor for, or for another local authority in a politically restricted post 
  • are the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order 
  • have been sentenced to prison for three months or more (including suspended sentences) during the five years before election day 
  • have been convicted of a corrupt or illegal practice by an election court

You can find all the guidance and resources that you will need if you are a candidate or agent at local elections in England and Wales from the Electoral Commission.