Standing as a candidate

Councillors represent the people of St Helens. They are elected to become a member of the council when local elections are held. We have 48 councillors, representing 18 areas known as wards. Councillors are usually elected for four years.

The duty of councillors is to the whole community, but they have a special responsibility to champion the needs of all the constituents in their ward. Councillors have to agree to follow a code of conduct to ensure high standards in the way they go about their duties.

How do I become a councillor?

If you wish to stand for election, you must be:

• be a British citizen, an eligible Commonwealth citizen, a citizen of the Republic of Ireland, a qualifying EU citizen or an EU citizen with retained rights
• 18 years of age
• Included on the Register of Electors for St Helens, or be someone who has either lived or worked in the borough for the 12 months preceding the election

You need to be nominated to stand as a candidate at the election by:

• Two electors of the electoral ward (as your proposer and seconder)

Further information can be found in the Candidates and Agents guidance in the electoral commission website.

How do I become an MP?

To be able to stand as a candidate at a UK Parliamentary General Election in Great Britain you must:

• be at least 18 years old
• be a British citizen, an eligible Commonwealth citizen, a citizen of the Republic of Ireland, a qualifying EU citizen or an EU citizen with retained rights

You need to be nominated to stand as a candidate at the elections by:

• 10 electors from the relevant Parliamentary Constituency

Further information can be found in the Candidates and Agents guidance on the electoral commission website.

Do I have to be a member of a political party?

No, you don't, you can stand as an independent candidate.

You can contact us using the details below if you would like more information about becoming a councillor.

For more information please visit electoralcommission.org.uk/our-guidance/candidate-or-agent