Join Us!
Did you know that there are 80,000 community, parish and town councillors across England? We represent the first tier of local government which makes us closest to the people who matter – you! We come from all walks of life. One of our key strengths is the diverse interests and experiences that we bring to the council. But we all have one thing in common and that’s Helsby. We aim to make everyone’s life in the community better and to have a strong voice about the things that matter to us all. We also provide some services in Helsby including the parish field and play area, two allotment sites, the public cemetery and our lovely festive lights at Christmas. We do all this by only giving a few hours of our time each week.
Can I Join?
Anyone can be a councillor as long as you are over 18, and a British citizen, an eligible Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of any member state of the European Union. For at least the last 12 months, you should also have worked in the parish or lived in or within 3 miles of Helsby. And you can’t be disqualified through bankruptcy orders or certain criminal convictions.
How do parish councillors join the council?
There are several ways. They can be co-opted onto the council straight away if we have any vacancies – and we currently do! We’re desperately looking for up to 7 members to join the 8 members currently on the council. Alternatively, local elections are held every 4 years. The next ones will be held in May 2027. If there are more candidates than seats, a poll will be held and everyone in Helsby will be able to vote for their preferred councillors. You will receive a polling card with details on how, where and when to vote. If the number of candidates is less than or equal to the number of seats to be filled, those candidates are automatically elected. Once elected, a councillor’s normal term of office is four years.
Can I nominate someone to join?
Yes! Perhaps your neighbour takes a real interest in community issues or your hairdresser loves putting the world to rights? Perhaps your son or daughter dreams of themselves as the next great political leader of the country? As long as you have their consent, you can nominate them at the next election.
I’m interested now! How do I apply?
If you’d like to join now, contact the parish clerk to find out about the co-option process.
I may be interested in joining at the next elections
If you’d like to be a candidate in the next elections, please contact the Returning Officer at Cheshire West and Chester Council for a nomination form. Completed papers need to be submitted to the Returning Officer by 4pm on the 19th working day before the poll. You’ll need 2 people who are registered electors in the parish to nominate and second you. Ahead of the election, the Returning Officer offers briefings to guide potential candidates through the process.
What support is there for new councillors?
We appreciate that you may never have been a councillor before or you know nothing about how local government works. We will offer you a full support package as soon as you begin in your new role and one of our existing councillors will act as your buddy until you have settled in.
We have outlined this support in two documents:
Want to find out more?
Contact Claire Jones, the parish clerk, on 01928 726433 or at clerk@helsbyparishcouncil.gov.uk