Become a councillor

There are 42 councillors making up Slough Borough Council, where there are 21 wards where all councillors will be elected on 4 May 2023. 

As a district councillor you would be representing the people of your ward.

The council is elected in one election held every four years. Once elected, a councillor will generally serve for a period of 4 years.

Eligibility requirements

You could be a councillor if you are:

• 18 years old or over
• a British, Commonwealth or Irish citizen or a citizen of another Member State of the European Union - eligible nationalities.

AND

• you are registered as a voter in the Slough Borough Council area, or
• you are the owner or tenant of any land or premises in the area, or
• your principal or only place of work for the last 12 months or more has been in the Slough area or
• you have lived in the Slough area for the past 12 months.

You are not permitted to stand as a candidate if you:

• work for a local authority or hold a politically restricted post
• are an undischarged bankrupt
• have been sentenced to a term of imprisonment in the past 5 years or
• have been disqualified under any enactment relating to corrupt or illegal practices
• are subject to any relevant notification requirements, or a relevant order, in respect of a sexual offence.

Nomination

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you need to be nominated. You are nominated by completing a nomination paper.

This document would need to be signed by 2 registered electors from the ward in which you want to stand. You must send your signed consent to nomination form along with the nomination paper.

You may also appoint someone to act on your behalf as your agent, who could help you with your election campaign.

Anyone interested in standing as a candidate is advised to contact Electoral Services on 01753 477235 or 01753 477236 or email BallotBox@slough.gov.uk. You can get further information and get a nomination pack.

There is a strict set timetable for the nomination process and election work generally which must be adhered to. There are also rules that limit the amount of money you can spend on your campaign.

Candidate guidance is available on the Electoral Commission website.