Do you want to be a Parish Councillor?

Stand in your local elections – nomination packs available

in South Northamptonshire

South Northamptonshire Council is encouraging residents who want to stand in May’s local elections to pick up a nomination pack.

Anyone who lives or works in South Northamptonshire can become a Councillor, and standing as a candidate in the local elections is a real way to make a difference in the local community. Elected Councillors help shape the future development of the district, influence what goes on in their local area and represent local community views.

On 5 May, local elections are being held across the district and the first stage for any potential candidates is to complete and return their nomination papers. Jean Morgan, Returning Officer for the elections, said: “Filling out the nomination form is the first step towards making a real difference in your local area. I would urge everyone to think about standing, as this is a perfect opportunity to represent your local community, and get involved with issues that really matter.”

District and town/parish nomination packs will be available from South Northamptonshire Council’s electoral services team from Monday 7 March. They can be contacted at electoral.services@southnorthants.gov.uk and 01327 322128.

Nomination packs for town and parish councils are also available from local parish clerks from Saturday 5 March. Their details can be found on local parish noticeboards, or online at www.southnorthants.gov.uk/1534.htm.

Nomination forms must be returned to the Returning Officer at South Northamptonshire Council by noon Monday 4 April. To ensure the process runs efficiently, the electoral services team provides an informal checking service – a bit like the passport checking service – to make sure that a nomination paper is valid before it is submitted. This ensures that nominations aren’t rejected if they have any basic mistakes or omissions.