Become a councillor

Hertsmere residents and anyone with an interest in their community are being encouraged to stand as candidates in the next local elections on Thursday 6 May.

Hertsmere Borough Councillors play a key role in the borough, representing the people that elected them and providing a voice for the community. They are elected to develop local policy, represent local people, make decisions and plan for the future. This includes:

• representing the interests of their ward
• dealing with constituents' enquiries and representations, fairly and without prejudice
• listening to the needs of local people and key stakeholders to take their views into account when considering policy proposals
• championing the causes which further the interests, quality of life and sustainable development of the community
• developing a working knowledge of the organisations, services, activities and other factors important to a community's wellbeing and identity
• contributing to good governance and actively encouraging community participation and citizen involvement in decision-making.

Sajida Bijle, Managing Director and Returning Officer at Hertsmere Borough Council, said: “Becoming a councillor is very rewarding and it means you can make a real difference to the quality of people’s lives locally. Special qualifications are not a pre-requisite, but it helps if you enjoy speaking with a wide range of people and you care about Hertsmere and the issues facing local residents.

“If you’d like to get involved in the local community and become a councillor, this could be your chance to make a difference. Remember, standing for election isn’t a difficult process – you just need to complete a nomination paper and make sure you deliver it on time.”

To stand for election you must be:

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

And you don’t have to be a member of a political party as you can stand as an independent if you wish.

Hertsmere Borough Council is responsible for benefits, car parking, community safety, elections, environmental health, housing needs, leisure and parks, licensing, planning and development control, street cleaning and kerbside waste and recycling collections. To find out more about who does what visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk/whodoeswhat

Anyone interested in becoming a councillor can find out more by visiting www.hertsmere.gov.uk/beacouncillor.  There are links to nomination papers and further information from the Electoral Commission, as well as guidance on who can stand, how to complete nomination papers, spending, donations and campaigning.

Nomination papers need to be submitted to the Elections team at Hertsmere Borough Council’s Civic Offices in person, between 15 March until 4pm on 4 April 2023.

It is best to telephone to make an appointment and to submit papers well ahead of the deadline so that there is time to make any changes that might be required.