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.

beacouncillor.org.uk Opens in a new window

Our campaign centres on the website www.beacouncillor.org.uk Opens in a new window. Originally, this website was just for our London-based campaign but, following its success in the capital, the site has been developed into a resource that can be used by people nation-wide.

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.

Resources for councils

Councils can take advantage of free 'be a councillor' posters, booklets and displays to support their own work to increase participation in local democracy. Visit www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/2010campaignresources. The section also includes interesting facts and figures on the profile of councillors in London.

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

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Useful links

beacouncillor.org.uk website Opens in a new window

Free resources and information for local authorities Opens in a new window

Executive paper - Project 2010 campaign

X Factor recruitment manual Opens in a new window