Be a councillor

London's borough councillors are up for re-election in May 2010 - and the search for new talent has already started.

London Councils is working with Capital Ambition and the Leadership Centre for Local Government on the 'Be a Councillor' campaign, which is all about making people more aware of the work of their local council, and councillors, with a view to encouraging more people to consider standing in the 2010 elections.

The aim is to increase awareness among the communities currently under-represented by London's 1,861 borough councillors, such as people aged under 45, women, and people from minority ethnic backgrounds.

Another key aim of the project is to promote the way councils in London engage with their communities, and spread good practice so that residents and businesses are more aware of what they do.

beacouncillor.org.uk

Our campaign centres on the website www.beacouncillor.org.uk Opens in a new windowbut also features a London-wide publicity campaign using poster sites and media advertising. It culminates with the London Councils Summit, a free one-day conference on 12 July for both existing councillors and people who want to find out more about becoming a councillor.

As part of the work, London Councils and the Leadership Centre for Local Government have produced 'The X-factor: a talent spotter's recruitment manual for the 2010 London local elections', a handbook for councils and political parties designed to encourage new talent - attached below.

For more information contact Emma Stewart, Promotions Manager 020 7934 9754

beacouncillor.org.uk website Opens in a new window

Campaign launch press release - 24 June

Executive paper - Project 2010 campaign

Press release

X Factor recruitment manual Opens in a new window