"...democratic election gives local councillors, like Members of Parliament, a special status in public life... It is no easy task being a local councillor... Certainly no councillor would seek election in order to get rich... but the ambition to serve on a council remains an honourable calling and should be recognised as such."

Lord Nolan's Report on Standards of Conduct in Local Government.

You can become a Councillor provided:

• You are 18 or over on the day of nomination
• You have property in or work connections with the County
• You are a Uk, Commonwealth or EU citizen
• You have not been declared bankrupt or otherwise disqualified
• You are not an employee of the County Council

Interested in running for office?  In Devon, the process of election of county councillors is administered on the County Council's behalf by the eight District Councils. A detailed timetable - known as the Notice of Election - outlining the process for submitting nominations and guidance for candidates will be published around 2 months before the date of the election with relevant dates, explaining what needs to be done and who to contact. The initial point of contact at District Councils would be the Electoral Services Officer/Section.

Whether you have been thinking about standing for election to the County Council or you have already decided to, we hope that the following information will help you to understand what's involved.

• The County Council
• The County Councillor's Role
• The Political Parties
• Independent Councillors
• Life as a Councillor
• Ethics and Standards
• For More Background
• Who Knows Where The Time Goes
• Facilities and Services for Members of the Council

If you want to know more about what the County Council does the Council's website contains a wealth of information about its Strategic Plans, Services, Funding and Organisation and Structures.