Cheshire West and Chester’s democratic services team will host a series of briefing sessions for people considering putting their name forward to be a councillor.
There will be three sessions for potential borough council candidates and a further two sessions for parish (including town) council candidates this March.
There will be elections in May for all 70 borough council seats and for all contested town and parish councils in Cheshire West and Chester.
Nominations for the elections close at 4pm on 4th April, meaning all paperwork and other documents must be submitted and approved by that date.
Anyone seeking to stand as a candidate in the May elections is urged to attend one of the following briefing sessions:
- Monday 6th March – Council Chamber, Wyvern House, The Drumber, Winsford, CW7 1AH
- Tuesday 7th March – Ellesmere Port Library meeting room, Civic Way, Ellesmere Port, CH65 0BG
- Wednesday 8th March – The Turf Room, Chester Racecourse, New Crane Road, Chester CH1 2LY
Briefing sessions start at 5pm for parish (including town) candidates and at 6pm for borough candidates – except the briefing on Tuesday 7th March, when there will be no briefing for parish (including town) council candidates.
Council chief executive Andrew Lewis, who is the returning officer for Cheshire West and Chester, said: “I would urge all potential candidates to attend one of these briefing sessions as there will be important information we need to give relating to these elections, the process for nominations, protocols and legal rules.
“Nomination packs and other relevant paperwork will also be available for collection at the briefings.
“It is important that all paperwork for candidates is completed correctly, prior to the deadline for nominations, to avoid any difficulties that could prevent a candidate from standing.”
The council’s electoral services staff will be on hand to offer advice to candidates on the paperwork that they need to complete.
Information being outlined at the briefings will include:
● The role of borough, parish (including town) councillors
● The protocols they need to follow once elected
● Key changes to election law around voter ID requirements
● Timetables of key election events and deadlines
● Nomination arrangements, timings and how to complete nominations
● Details of the timing of delivery of polling cards
● Details for postal votes and proxy votes
● Polling day arrangements
● Ballot verification and count details
● Candidate expenses guidance
● Campaign “Dos and Don’ts”
Due to limited space, potential candidates are asked to contact Cheshire West and Chester Council’s elections team to reserve a place as soon as possible.
They should call 01244 977 084 or email elreg@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.
