be a councillor
Tom Day
- Plays squash
- Enjoys a drink with friends
- Works in local government
- Local councillor
"When things change and you know it’s because of you, it’s a great feeling."
"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"
Patrick Kitterick
Councillor in Leicester
Before and after becoming a councillor I’ve had a variety of jobs including bus driving, being a doorman and working for a Member of Parliament. One of the things that surprised me was that as a councillor you often have a lot more power to directly help people than a MP.
My favourite part of the job is being part of changing my city of Leicester and making good things happen that simply wouldn’t if I wasn’t there. I became a councillor in 2003 and in 2007 I was elected as Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Transport. I enjoy the role as I have the ability to weigh up the potential collaborations and conflicts between the work in those two areas which only a councillor is uniquely placed to do.
The variety of work also makes no two days the same. I can go from discussing a bus shelter to a £20 million bridge scheme within the same meeting. My only official post in Leicester before becoming a councillor in 2003 was winning the title of Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year in 1999 and I always try and bring that sense of humour to my work.