How to become a Town Councillor
Local government elections take place every four years. Dursley Town Council has 17 seats shared between 3 wards. Elections are only held If more people apply to be councillors than there are seats available. If not enough people apply, then all candidates are considered elected, and there is no actual voting.
Whenever there is a vacant seat, and after a set period of public notification, volunteers are invited to apply (in writing or by email) for 'co-option' to the council. If there are more applicants than places, the Town Council itself chooses the new councillors. A co-opted councillor is the same as an elected councillor, and has to meet the same criteria.
Can I become a town councillor? If you wish to stand as a councillor you must satisfy these requirements:
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Be over the age of 18 between the notice of election & closure of nominations
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A citizen of the European Union or the Commonwealth
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A local government elector of the parish; or a person who during the whole of the twelve months before nomination as a candidate occupied land or other premises as owner or tenant in the parish. Or has, during the same period, resided in that area or within three miles (4.8km) thereof, or has during the same period, had a principal or only place of work in that area
You cannot stand for election or co-option if you:
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Are bankrupt and an Order or Interim Restriction Order has been imposed.
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Have, within five years before the day of the election, been convicted in the
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Work for the council where you are intending to standing for election (but you can work for other local authorities, including the principal authorities that represent the same area).