Becoming a councillor?

CBC is promoting the idea of becoming a local councillor. See the article from News Central below. It's fair enough in principle but ignores the fact that local government is heavily politicised.  In Central Beds it is one party control, Conservative. That happens in other parts of the country where it is a Labour monolith and some areas where the Lib Dems control everything. So unfortunately if you take News Central at face value you are likely to be disappointed.

Local government elections are usually referenda on national governments. Here was the line up after the last CBC elections in 2011. So if you want to be a CBC councillor the first step is to join the Conservative Party.

 In 2011 Central Bedfordshire elected a new Council as follows:

• 49 Conservative Councillors
• 5 Liberal Democrats Councillors
• 3 Independent Councillors
• 1 Labour Councillor
• 1 Councillor without any party affiliation 

" If you’d like to influence decisions affecting your area, champion localinterests or develop your leadership skills, becoming a local councillor could befor you.

You can find out what it’s like to be a councillor and how to getinvolved at a free event being held at our offices in Priory House, Chicksands onMonday 13 May. There will be networking from 6pm with the main event runningfrom 7pm to 8.45pm.

Central Bedfordshire councillors from across the politicalspectrum will be there to explain how they got started and highlight their experiencesof being a councillor. The event will answer questions about the life of acouncillor, how much work and time is involved and what the rewards are. 

Cllr James Jamieson, Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council said: “Being acouncillor is hugely rewarding. You have real power to influence decisions on avast array of issues ranging from planning to social care to school places -and change things for the better.

"While there are rules about who can and can’t be a councillor,most people living or working in Central Bedfordshire will be eligible. We alwaysneed new people and the more diverse we are as councillors the better we’reable to represent all our residents. Whatever your age, it’s a determination tomake things better, the drive to get things done and dedication to yourcommunity that matters most."

The event will also hear from BBC Three Counties Political Editor, Paul Scoins,on why he thinks local politics are so important.

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