A sort of Political but definitely democratic Blog
Liberal Democrat Councillor Sue James with Andrew George, M.P
A sort of Political but definitely democratic Blog, by which I mean I am encouraging you to think about standing for election as a local Councillor! In Cornwall, the next local elections to Cornwall Council and Town and Parish Councils will be May 2025. Whilst Cornwall Councillors get an allowance to help them give time to the role, Town and Parish Councillors are volunteers. The 87 Cornwall Council seats will all be contested with Political parties and Independent minded folk all putting their names forward. At Town and Parish level, you often only get those who take the trouble to stand as too few people put themselves forward. That was the very situation for St Just Town Council in 2021 (and 2013) when all those that stood got in unopposed and people had no chance to vote on who they did or did not want to represent them.
Who can be a councillor? (Taken from the Local Government Association website)
We need people from all backgrounds and experiences who reflect the communities they serve to put themselves forward for election. You don’t need any experience or special qualifications. Your life experience, everyday skills, passion and commitment to people and communities are vital, and it’s important that councils reflect the local population.
Becoming a Councillor from the Local Government Association
The link will tell you all you need to know about becoming a Councillor but maybe you want to talk to someone? Most Councillors will be willing to chat to you over a cuppa. Political Parties will be recruiting candidates right now, especially to stand for Cornwall Council so look on their websites or email them. If you are thinking you would rather stand with the backing of a Political party then, the first step is join that party and start getting involved. If you think you could become a Liberal Democrat Councillor then get in touch with me if down West or someone in your local party in other parts of Cornwall. It is fair to say, those areas/ Political Parties with an M.P will have more resources and probably an office you can contact.
I’ve had a look on the Cornwall Council website and there is no sign of Be a Councillor events yet but I’m sure they will come.
If you are a women, ethnic minority, young, disabled or a member of the LGBT+ communities, take it from me, you are under represented in all levels of Politics, especially in Local Politics where Political Parties are less involved because, whatever you might think of those in Political Parties, they do at least strive to get broader representation. Just to illustrate my point, there are 15 Independent Cornwall Councillors and all are white men! I don’t think I will be insulting any of them to say they are all over 50! There are 44 Conservative Councillors – 11 are women. Of 13 Liberal Democrat Councillors, 4 are women. Of 4 Mebyon Kernow Councillors, there is 1 women. Green only have 2 Councillors 1 man and 1 woman. Finally, Labour have 4 Councillors and again have achieved a 50:50 split of men to women.
If you want to stand as a Liberal Democrat candidate in Cornwall then make sure you are a Member and take a look at the application pack. UPDATED 2025 Candidate application pack 22 Jul 24
Stop Press…..Stop Press……Stop Press
A much smaller scale election campaign has been taking place for the Newlyn & Mousehole Ward of Penzance Town Council. Delighted to say that our candidate, Simon Reed was elected.
Whilst out with Simon on Polling Day, I found a nearly dead baby hedgehog on the pavement – no sign of mum. Holding the hedgehog warmed it and it started perking up a little but we suspected it was dehydrated and definitely too small to survive. I took it to the vets and, good news next morning, it had pulled through and was going to be taken to a rescue centre.
Baby Hedgehog rescued, alone on pavement in Newlyn
Campaigners were as excited to hear the news of our tiny prickly friend as they were the positive election result! Simon’s post on his Facebook page sums it up…
Words of newly elected local Councillor Simon Reed