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Elections

Parish councillors are elected by the public and serve four-year terms. Following elections, the Parish Council appoints a chair, and vice-chair, they also appoint the councillors to the various committee and working groups, dependant on their skills and attributes.

Parish councillors were unpaid positions until 2004 when allowance schemes were introduced to encourage more people to stand. Allowances, which tend not to be very large are at the discretion of the individual councils and they often choose to maintain a strictly unpaid status. Currently, Lyneham and Bradestoke Parish Council only permit exceptional expenses.

The Nomination and Election process are detailed here.

The Election Procedure

Ordinary elections of local councillors take place on the first Thursday in May every four years. For most local councils election year was 2017 then it will be 2021 etc. but where the principal authority (county, district and unitary authority) councillor is elected in some other year that is also the year of the local council election. Reorganisation of local government may cause alteration of the election day and election year in some cases.

The election timetable is as follows:

  • Publication of notice of election - Not later than the twenty-fifth day before the day of the election.
  • Delivery of nomination papers - Not later than 4 in the afternoon on the nineteenth day before the day of the election.
  • Delivery of notices of withdrawals of candidature - Not later than 4 in the afternoon on the nineteenth day before the day of the election.
  • Publication of statement as to persons nominated - Not later than 4 in the afternoon on the eighteenth day before the day of the election.
  • Notice of poll - Not later than the sixth day before the day of the election.
  • Polling - Between the hours of 7 in the morning and 10 at night on the day of the election.

Nomination process

A prospective candidate must deliver to the Returning Officer a valid nomination paper. This form is obtained from the Officer. The candidate's surname, forenames, residence and description (if required) must be entered and his or her number and prefix letter from the current register of electors. The Returning Officer has a copy of this register, and the clerk of the local council normally has one.

The nomination paper must also contain similar particulars of a proposer and a seconder. They must be electors for the area for which the candidate seeks election (i.e. the parish, community or town or the ward if it is divided into wards): they must sign it.

What Next?

The returning officer appointed by a principal authority (district, borough, county or unitary authority) is the person responsible for the conduct and arrangement for community, parish and town council elections. If you are considering becoming a candidate for election it could be wise to contact the Returning Officer to obtain any more detailed information. Also for more information about what life is like as councillor contact your local County Association of Local Councils or alternatively your local community, parish or town council.

But the election is not for a few years

If a seat becomes vacant mid-term (or if there are not enough candidates to fill all council seats at election time) the council will hold a by-election. In certain circumstances, the council may then co-opt members to the council.

Further Information

If you need any further information please contact us through the Parish Clerk, who will be more than happy to answer your questions.

We would also encourage to attend a few meeting so see how a parish council meeting is runs.

Alternatively, you can contact your local county association of local councils or additional information on becoming a councillor can be found at the National Association.

 Wiltshire Association of Local Councils (opens in a new window)

National Association of Local Councils (opens in a new window)

Guidance for Local Candidates (opens in a new window)