Local government is where most political careers begin. As a councillor, you represent a ward, serve on your council, and build the reputation that can carry you to Westminster.
Before you can stand for council, you need to be selected as a candidate. This happens during the Aspiring stage:
Eventually, the party might offer you a candidacy. The quality of seat you're offered depends on your reputation and relationships. Rush it, and you'll be offered an unwinnable ward. Put in the work, and you'll get a genuine opportunity.
Your ward is your political base. Each ward in the game has:
Multi-member wards mean multiple councillors represent the same area. You may share your ward with colleagues from your party, or with councillors from other parties.
Council elections vary by authority type:
Your ward's election cycle determines when you face voters. Between elections, your job is to represent constituents and build a record worth re-electing.
As a councillor, your time will be divded between:
Ward work
Council work
Party work
Councils can be:
Council control affects what you can achieve. Majority parties can implement their agenda. Opposition councillors scrutinise and challenge. Coalition members navigate compromise.
If your party controls the council, you may be appointed to cabinet positions with real policy responsibility.
Constituents contact you with problems. Common issues include:
How you handle casework affects your reputation with constituents. Responsive councillors build local goodwill. Neglecting casework damages your standing.
Council positions include:
Progression depends on your standing within your party group, your reputation, and your relationships with party leadership. Not all councillors advance beyond backbench roles.
Council experience can be a stepping stone to Parliament:
When parliamentary selections open, councillors with strong records are often considered. But council is also a career in its own right. Many councillors serve for decades without seeking higher office.
Council elections are real tests. You can lose.
Factors that affect re-election:
Losing your seat ends your time as councillor, though your existing reputation and relationships carry forward and you can stand in future elections.
For specific questions about council mechanics, see FAQs.