Nomination papers are now available online for those thinking of standing as a candidate in May’s elections.
People will be casting their votes on 7 May to decide who they would like to represent them at Forest Heath District Council or St Edmundsbury Borough Council. Town and parish council elections across the two areas take place on the same date, as does the General Election.
Whether it is standing as an independent, or with the backing of their preferred political party, candidates will need 10 nominees from the ward that they seek to represent (or two nominees for parish/ town council elections).
Cllr Stephen Edwards, Forest Heath District Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, Governance and Performance said: “We want more people to be engaged with democracy and politics, both in terms of the number of people who turn out to vote, and the number of people who stand for election – whether that is for any of the political parties or as an independent. If you are passionate about politics or feel that your councillor hasn’t done enough for your area and that you could do better, then it is time to stand.”
Cllr David Ray, St Edmundsbury Cabinet Member for Resources said: “We have already had two successful information evenings for those thinking of standing as a candidate for the first time. It is important that anyone who stands for election, understands the role of a councillor, the commitment and just how much time consuming hard work it actually involves. These elections come once every four years. Now is the time to decide whether to stand.”
Anyone who wants to find out more about the role of a councillor can click here.
The deadline for the completion of nomination papers is 4pm on 9 April.
Click here for those standing in Forest Heath, visit
For those standing in St Edmundsbury, click here.
