How do I go about getting elected?

You will need to complete and return a nomination paper. These will be available about 6 to 8 weeks before polling day. They are available from the Returning Officer at North Wiltshire District Council, and will also be sent to Parish clerks to hand out.

The nomination paper pack contains all the information you will need relating to key dates, the information you have to supply, and a summary of some of the main legislation relating to being a candidate. Many candidates choose to use a political description (although you do not have to), and if that is the case, the political party affected has to confirm that you may use their name, in which case you may also use their logo on the ballot paper.

Your nomination paper will also require you to obtain two people from within the area for which you are standing to act as your proposer and seconder. In the case of nominations for District council, another eight people from within the ward will need to support your candidature on the nomination form.

The way in which you then publicise your candidature, in order to obtain support, is largely a matter for yourself, although there are a number of rules relating to how much you can spend on this. There are also a number of quaintly described “Corrupt and Illegal Practices” which you must avoid, covering things like bribery, corruption and the use of undue influence. Again, the nomination pack will point out some of these pitfalls.