be a councillor
Patrick Kitterick
- Award winning comedian
- Worked for an MP
- Lives in Leicester
- Local councillor
"My favourite part of the job is being part of changing my city and making good things happen that simply wouldn’t if I wasn’t there"
events and workshops
London Borough of Sutton
Sutton council is offering local residents and community leaders the opportunity to learn more about its work. The Shadow Councillor Scheme is a unique opportunity for individuals to learn about a councillor's role and responsibilities. Through observation and participation at selected meetings, surgeries and workshops, successful candidates will gain an insight into the role of a councillor, how they represents the people of their ward (local area) and how local democracy works in practice.
You have to live in the London Borough of Sutton. No formal knowledge or experience is necessary but you must be able to attend at least 20 different sessions/activities during October 2009. These activities will include, shadowing local councillors in their meetings and surgeries, visiting the Houses of Parliament and the Mayor of London's City Hall; a question and answer session with the Mayor of Sutton, school governors and other voluntary groups.
To find out more, or to apply, contact Nasser Butt, Scheme Coordinator, Sutton Minority Ethnic Forum via email smef.sscs@blueyonder.co.uk or call 07710 389336.
Events targeted at ethnic minority women
The Government Equalities Office is running a series of events across the country specifically for women from ethnic minority backgrounds.
- Friday 17 July, 6pm to 8.30pm - Luton borough Council, Town Hall, Upper George Street, Luton, LU1 2BQ
- Wednesday 22 July from 6.00pm to 8.30pm - Bradford Metropolitan District Council, City Hall, Channing Way, Bradford, BD1 1HY
For more information and to book a place, visit www.livegroup.co.uk/BAME or telephone 020 8481 3375, or email BAME@livegroup.co.uk
be a councillor session at the London Councils' Summit
This year, the annual London Councils' Summit Opens in a new window is open to Londoners who have been shortlisted as candidates for the 2010 London local elections by one of the political parties, or who plan to stand as an independent candidate. The Summit takes place on Saturday 7 November2009. The Summit will include workshops on modern campaigning, the ethics and standards of behaviour, and how pan-London issues affect doorstep campaigning. If you're actively involved with a local party by then, or are seriously considering standing as an independent then the Summit will be of interest. If you are interested in being contacted about this event nearer the time, please register your interest by emailing emma.stewart@londoncouncils.gov.uk (020 7934 9754).
be a councillor seminars
The last of our 'be a councillor' seminars is available as both a film on this site and as a written transcript of what was said. Watch our ‘be a councillor’ film and hear four councillors talk about:
- How and why they became a councillor
- How they find out and resolve the issues local voters are most concerned about
- The time commitments
- What it’s like being an independent councillor
Read a transcript of what the councillors said Opens in a new window
Contact emma.stewart@londoncouncils.gov.uk (020 7934 9754) if you have any difficulties opening the files.
Kensington and Chelsea
The council held an information event at which three councillors, including an independent councillor from another authority explained their work and answered questions. View a webcast of the event.