How to stand for election/Information for Candidates

The Committee on Standards in Public Life (in 2008) highlighted the seven principles of public life as; Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty and Leadership.

Whilst democratic election gives local councillors (like Members of Parliament) a special status in public life, it is not an easy being a local councillor.

Confidence in the democratic process is so important that the ambition to serve on a council remains an honourable calling and should be recognised as such.

You can stand for election as a Devon County Councillor if:

You are 18 or older on the day of nomination
You have property in or work connections in Devon (or relevant County)
You are a UK, Qualifying Commonwealth or European Union citizen
You have not been declared bankrupt or otherwise disqualified
You are not an employee of Devon County Council

In Devon, arrangements for the election of county councillors are carried out on the County Council's behalf by the eight District Councils. A detailed timetable (known as the Notice of Election) gives the process for submitting nominations and guidance for candidates will be published around two months before the election. The Notice of Election gives the relevant dates and deadlines and explains what needs to be done and who to contact. The initial point of contact at District Councils would be the Electoral Services Officer/Section, acting as the Deputy Returning Officer. The Returning Officer for County Council elections is the County Council's County Solicitor and Monitoring Officer.

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