1. Choose the role you want

Decide if you want to run as a local councillor, which can be a great starting point, an MP who represents people in national parliament, a Mayor or PCC.

2. Get involved in your community

Start building your profile by attending local council meetings, joining community or campaign groups, volunteering locally and speaking up on local issues.

3. Join a political party (optional) 

Most candidates stand with a party (Labour, Conservative, Green, others) but you can also stand as an independent candidate. If you join a party, attend local meetings, ask how to get selected as a candidate and build relationships with local members.

4. Understand the election process

This involves several stages. First, you will need to get nominated, usually with signatures from local voters. Second, register with the Electoral Commission for certain roles or if standing as a party. Third, campaign in the community by speaking to voters, delivering leaflets and attend events. You may also need to raise funds and report spending.

5. Get support

There are several organisations that support under-represented groups in politics, including migrants, ethnic minorities, women and young people, through training and leadership programmes.

• Migrant Democracy Project: MPower: Political Leadership Programme website
• Operation Black Vote: Leadership Programmes website
• Elect Her: Events and workshops website 
• Patchwork Foundation (supporting young people): Masterclass Programme website

Be a Councillor is a programme run by the Local Government Association inviting people of all backgrounds who are passionate about helping their local community to explore becoming a local councillor. There are various resources including case studies on the programme website. 

In 2025, Birmingham City Council launched their own Be a Councillor campaign website. This campaign includes a series of free sessions delivered by the Local Government Association in the Council House on how to become a councillor.

It is important to understand the implications and obligations of both standing for elected office and performing the role, if successful, in terms of time commitment, the legal context and financial implications. Be aware that if elected you will represent all the people in the area for which you stand. Introduction to Standing as a Candidate guide by the Electoral Commission offers useful information on the process and the rules. The guide can be accessed on this website.      

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