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Be a Councillor

Cornwall Council Elections Thursday 6 May 2021

More information on the 2021 Cornwall Council Elections

Latest guidance on campaigning for election on May 6

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On 5 February the Government published guidance on the running of the elections on May 6, in their May 2021 polls delivery plan document.

Potential candidates will need to follow new measures to reduce travel and contact with people.  Currently face to face campaigning such as door knocking and delivering leaflets is not allowed. But it is important that the voters are well informed and the Government suggests other ways to do this such as:  

  • On-line campaigning through emails, websites and social media
  • Campaigning by telephone
  • Delivery of leaflets by post or other commercial delivery companies

To help this the Government increased the amount candidates can spend on the election during the regulated period. The period is 29 March 2021 or the day after you officially become a candidate and polling day 6 May 2021. 

Details are on the Electoral Commission's website Local elections in England page. 

Helpful resources for campaigning online

The BBC has a helpful basic guide to getting on-line called BBC First Click Beginners Guide

The Local Government Association has useful advice for Councillors on using social media:

All the main social media companies have helpful guides to using their tools.

Close of Nominations

 Close of nominations to stand to be a Cornwall Councillor closes at 4pm on Thursday 8 April 2021. For more information or to request a nomination pack please contact the elections team: 

Could you be a Councillor? 

Cornwall needs all kinds of people to stand to be come a Councillor.  The qualities you need are a desire and passion to make a difference and improve the community you represent. Here you will find information and links to other websites where you can learn more about what it is like to be a Councillor. 

If you are passionate about your local community, we need you.  Councillors make a huge difference to the quality of life for local people.  We need people from all backgrounds and experiences who reflect the whole of Cornwall to stand for election.

Councillors receive a basic annual allowance and other help such as a carers' allowance and travel expenses.  We also give you a computer to help with your work and there are officers to support, help and give you advice. 

Cornwall Council will have 87 electoral divisions. That is 87 Councillors to cover the whole of Cornwall. The next election is on Thursday 6 May 2021.  Could you be one of them? 

What is it like to be a Councillor?

We asked some of our current serving Councillors to talk about their experiences.  Select the links to the films below to hear about their experiences and learn more about what it is like to be a Councillor. There is also a film of Kate Kennally, the Council's Chief Executive where you can hear her views on the role of our Councillors. 

Find out more

If you want to find out more about becoming a Councillor see the information leaflets and helpful links below.