COULD you be a councillor?

If you are considering standing as a prospective councillor in the future, then you might be interested in attending a prospective councillors event being run by Mid Devon District Council on February 7.

The event will take place ahead of the district wide election this year.

The election will take place on Thursday, May 4, 2023, when all 42 district seats will be contested. Parish elections will also take place.

If you are keen to make a difference to your community and wish to represent the views of local people in your area as a councillor, then you will not want to miss the prospective councillor event.

You may also be keen to stand for a particular issue or you may have a desire to pursue a political belief.

Andrew Seaman, Member Services Manager at Mid Devon District Council, said: “This event is designed to be informative but informal.

"We would welcome anyone who is showing an interest in being a councillor to come along and meet our team and ask us questions about the election process and what it means to be a councillor.”

During the event you will have a chance to chat to the Returning Officer, the Chief Executive and the Electoral Services Manager along with experienced councillors.

Prospective councillors must be:

• At least 18 years old.

• Registered to vote in the area; lived or worked; owned or rented land or other premises in the district for the whole of the previous year.

• A British, Commonwealth or European Union Citizen who does not require leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom; or have indefinite leave to remain.

If you decide to stand for election you must complete and submit a form during the nomination period which runs from Monday, March 20 until 4pm on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.

The prospective councillor event will take place at Phoenix House, Tiverton on Tuesday, February 7, from 4pm to 7pm.

The event is split, with 20 minute pre-booked appointments taking place in-person or via Microsoft Teams / Zoom between 4pm to 6pm and an open evening for anyone to attend from 6pm to 7pm.

If you wish to book an appointment please email: [email protected] (appointments will be made on a first come, first served basis).

Anyone unable to attend the event can find more information by visiting: www.middevon.gov.uk/2023-election .

Read the prospective councillor pack here: https://www.middevon.gov.uk/media/354511/be-a-councillior-guide.pdf .