Make the difference. Be A Councillor
By Elect Her Team
We are excited,
alongside the Local Government Association (LGA) we’ve launched our 2025
Be A Councillor programme!
We are leading the partnership and loving working with our coalition partners at The Disability Policy Centre, 50:50 Parliament, Migrant Democracy Project, Operation Black Vote, and The Politics Project.
Be A Councillor?
Do you know you are champion for your community? You probably haven't even thought about how your presence locally helps - you might be a volunteer or you might have written a letter to your managing agents to fix the lifts for a neighbour or you may have helped tidy the street - those are micro (maybe macro!) acts of caring. It is all part of the political picture and you are helping to paint it more positively.
We want to take that care you have for your community and inspire, inform, and support you as potential candidates to help your area. It is particularly important for those from underrepresented groups because we really want to address that imbalance!
As Hannah, our CEO said in the launch video:
“We are so glad to be supporting the work of the LGA and leading this coalition of lovely partners to encourage under-represented people to stand for local Government. Currently 66% of candidates for council are men, and we really need women and others from the beautifully diverse communities that make up our country, to get involved.”
Alongside our partners we’ve created a range of events and workshops to help inspire individuals, break down barriers and empower people from all walks of life to step forward and champion their communities as local councillors.
Why it matters
Local councils are the backbone of our communities. They are in charge of over 800 services and make decisions that directly impact our daily lives—from housing and education to waste management and public transport. You can read more about what it is to Be a Councillor on our resource hub.
Yet, despite their critical role, many people feel disconnected from local politics or believe that becoming a councillor is out of reach.
We are here to change that!
Our coalition is working to demystify the role and showcase how anyone with a passion for their community can take on this rewarding position.
Why Now?
With increasing challenges facing local communities their is a real need for passionate, dedicated leaders and encouraging a broader range of voices to step forward, will help local councils reflect the diversity of the communities they serve, leading to more innovative and effective solutions.
How Can You Get Involved?
Come and join one or more of our events and learn what it takes to stand to Be A Councillor. Hear from current councillors, those that have already done it and learn about the steps you can take to consider standing in future elections.
Every great change starts with someone who cares, and you could speak for your community, be the champion they need.
Make the difference. Be A Councillor
Blog idea or comment piece?
Would you like to contribute to this blog series? We’d love to hear from you. Send us your ideas and let’s chat: community@elect-her.org.uk.