Councillors are representatives of the people of Leeds, elected to become a member of the city council when local elections are held. Leeds City Council has 99 councillors, three for each of 33 designated areas of Leeds (known as 'electoral wards'). They are usually elected for a four year term of office.

Find your local councillor

The duty of councillors is to the whole community, but they have a special responsibility to champion the needs of all the constituents in their ward. Councillors have to agree to follow a code of conduct to ensure high standards in the way they go about their duties.

Why are councillors important?
Leeds councillors provide a voice to the people living in the ward that they represent. They are aware of the needs of their community and are in touch with the issues that local people face.

As well as influencing council decisions on funding and development, they work with other organisations, such as the police, local schools and health services to help bring about improvements to services and the environment for their local community.

What does the role involve?
Councillors usually represent a political party, but can also be independent. If they are a member of a political party, their priorities while in office are influenced by the priorities of the party. All councillors act as:

• Representatives of individuals and groups within their ward. They act as a source of information or point of access to other agencies, often through regular surgeries which they hold in public places such as schools or libraries.
• Community leaders, building relationships with key individuals or groups. Since July 2004, this process has been managed through meetings of the ten Area Committees in Leeds.
• Policy makers, attending and/or chairing council meetings on issues such as housing, social services, schools, planning and the environment. These meetings involve debating and approving proposals, as well as decision-making.

How do you get to be a councillor?
Anyone can be a councillor – provided that you:

• are over 21
• are a UK, EU or Commonwealth citizen
• are registered to vote in, or have either worked or lived in, the area for one year.

Depending on the type of election, there may be other restrictions for candidates. For information about obtaining nomination papers, or if you have any questions telephone the council elections team on 0113 247 6726.

I work for the council, can I stand in elections?
You cannot be an elected member of Leeds City Council if you currently work for the council. If you want to become a councillor, you must first resign your post.

What skills are required?
No formal qualifications are required to be a councillor. Training and skills development will often be available through the party you are standing for (if relevant). The kind of skills you may need to develop will probably relate to:

• presention and communication (for example speech-making, debating);
• participating in and chairing meetings;
• information and communication technology (ICT);
• media awareness (for example making statements or doing interviews for the press);
• interpreting and evaluating information;
• collaboration and networking;
• managing your time;
• interpersonal skills.

What support do councillors get?
Leeds councillors get a wide range of support, ranging from comprehensive induction packs, research and administrative/secretarial support, mentoring and written guidelines. Councillors also get a home-based computer package if they need it, to provide email and internet access.