Democracy in Devon

• Introduction
• Part 1You can be a councillor
• Part 2How do I get elected?
• Part 3What will my boss say?
• Part 4How much time do I have to commit?
• Part 5Will I get paid?
• Part 6Will I receive support and training?
• Part 7Can I specialise in areas of interest?
• Part 8Becoming a councillor

• Print / Download as PDF

Part 1

You can be a councillor

Anyone can become a councillor. You do not need any qualifications. Councillors come from all sorts of  backgrounds and, if anything, life experience is the most important attribute you can bring to the role.

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

• you are 18 or older on the day of nomination
• you have work connections or property in Devon
• you are a UK, Commonwealth or European Union citizen
• you have not been declared bankrupt or “otherwise disqualified” from being elected
• you are not a County Council employee.

Belonging to a political party is not necessary. Some people stand as independent candidates, separate from political parties.