Why be a Labour Councillor

Local councillors are elected every four years by local communities to represent their views on the local council and to take responsibility for decisions about local services and priorities. Increasingly councils work in partnership with other local organisations like the health service and police and so councillors also now have the opportunity to influence and work with these groups and others such as local businesses and the voluntary sector for the benefit of their neighbours and local communities.

The vast majority of councillors in England come from the three main political parties, although there are parts of the country where there are more independent councillors and a number from smaller political parties. This section explains why Labour values and aims are important to local government and why local communities need effective, representative Labour councillors.