Fancy joining the Parish Council? Elections are being held on 1st May 2025
2025 Elections
On Thursday, 1st May 2025, every seat on the Parish and Town Councils will be up for election.
This page provides all the information you need about why you should consider becoming a parish councillor and how to stand for election.
The Notice of Election was posted on 10th March 2025.
This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology and are in the following formats: .pdf. Request an accessible format.
Step up for your community: Become a Parish Councillor
As the upcoming parish council elections approach, Wootton Parish Council invites residents to consider standing for one of the 12 seats on our council. This is a unique opportunity to play an active role in shaping the future of our community. If you meet the standard criteria for eligibility, we encourage you to step forward and make a difference.
Why Become a Parish Councillor & Training and Support
Why Become a Parish Councillor?
Being a parish councillor is an incredibly rewarding experience. It provides a chance to influence local decisions, improve services, and ensure that the voices of residents are heard. With the ongoing devolution of responsibilities from the government to unitary authorities, and subsequently to parish councils, our council’s role is becoming increasingly significant. This means more opportunities to effect meaningful change at a local level, addressing the issues that matter most to our residents.
Training and Support
We understand that stepping into a role like this can feel daunting. That’s why we offer comprehensive training for all councillors. Training is not only available when you join but is ongoing and expected throughout your tenure. This ensures that you’re well-equipped to handle the responsibilities of the role and confident in your ability to contribute effectively.
What we're looking for in Councillors & The benefits of becoming a Councillor
What we’re looking For in Councillors
In the past, many potential councillors have expressed a desire to “give something back to the community.” While this sentiment is admirable, parish councils have evolved and so have the expectations of councillors. Today, a councillor is expected to take an active role in the running of the council and the wider parish. Here are some of the key qualities and commitments we’re seeking:
- Engagement and Preparation: Councillors are expected to attend monthly meetings, come prepared by reviewing the agenda in advance, and be ready to vote on issues. Abstaining from votes is discouraged, as it diminishes the representation of our electorate.
- Active Participation: Councillors are encouraged to join committees within the council, take ownership of specific issues, and contribute proactively to the work of the council.
- Event Involvement: Wootton Parish Council runs approximately 12 events annually. Councillors are expected to assist with a reasonable number of these, demonstrating their commitment to community engagement.
- Computer Literacy: A reasonable level of computer literacy is essential for modern council operations, from accessing meeting agendas to participating in virtual discussions when necessary.
The Benefits of Becoming a Councillor
Being a parish councillor is not just about responsibilities; it’s also about personal growth and community impact. You will:
- Develop new skills and enhance existing ones, including leadership, decision-making, and teamwork.
- Build strong connections within the community and with other like-minded individuals.
- Gain a deeper understanding of local governance and the satisfaction of knowing you’re making a tangible difference.
A Commitment, Not Just a Title
We want to be transparent about the commitment required. Becoming a councillor is not about simply attending meetings unprepared or offering minimal input. It’s about being an active and engaged member of a team, dedicated to improving the parish and representing the community effectively. If you’re ready to take on this rewarding challenge, we encourage you to stand for election and help shape the future of Wootton.
Let’s work together to continue building a thriving and resilient community.
This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology and are in the following formats: .pdf. Request an accessible format.
What you need to know before standing as a candidate
The Electoral Commission is an independent body that oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK. Their website provides comprehensive information on standing for election.
Below, we’ve highlighted key pages that may be particularly useful for prospective candidates.
How to stand for Election as a Parish Councillor
If you’re interested in becoming a candidate in the upcoming parish council election, you’ll need to submit a completed set of nomination papers by 4pm on Wednesday, 2nd April 2025. This deadline is legally fixed and cannot be changed.
The official Notice of Election, published by the local Returning Officer, will confirm when you can start submitting nomination papers, along with the location and times for delivery.
To ensure your nomination is valid, you must submit the following three forms:
- Nomination Form
- Home Address Form
- Consent to Nomination
For further details, please refer to the guidance provided by your local Returning Officer.
These files may not be suitable for users of assistive technology and are in the following formats: .pdf. Request an accessible format.
Submitting your Nomination Papers
As a candidate, it is your responsibility to ensure that your completed nomination form, home address form, and consent to nomination are delivered by hand to the location specified in the Notice of Election by 4pm on Wednesday, 2nd April 2025.
Important:
- Nomination papers must be delivered in person – they cannot be submitted by post, email, or any other electronic method.
- Only original documents will be accepted. Copies, including printed versions of emailed documents (such as a certificate of authorisation), will not be valid.
To avoid any issues, we strongly recommend that you or someone you trust delivers your nomination papers in person, ensuring they reach the Returning Officer before the deadline.
We advise contacting the Returning Officer as soon as possible to confirm the submission process and any specific arrangements in place.
Please note: The Returning Officer has the authority to invalidate your nomination if it does not meet legal requirements or reject it if it appears to be fictitious.
Due to expected numbers, West Northamptonshire Council will be running an appointment system for the submission of nomination papers.
Appointments are 15-minute slots and can be booked by emailing [email protected] with your name, date and time you’d like to come in and a contact telephone number or calling the Elections Team on 01604 526130. A member of the team will then contact you to arrange a date and time.
Candidates are welcome to just “turn up” at any of the locations during the dates and times given below, however you may be required to wait until an officer is free to take your nomination paper and process it.
West Northamptonshire Council are operating from The Guildhall One Stop Shop, Northampton on all days, but only specified days at The Abbey, Daventry and The Forum, Towcester full details will be included on the Notice of Election and are detailed below:
The Abbey, Daventry
- 20 March – 9am – 4.30pm
- 26 March – 9am – 4.30pm
- 28 March – 9am – 4.30pm
The Guildhall, One Stop Shop, Northampton
- 17 March – 9am – 4.30pm
- 18 March – 9am – 4.30pm
- 19 March – 9am – 4.30pm
- 20 March – 9am – 7pm
- 21 March – 9am – 4.30pm
- 24 March – 9am – 7pm
- 25 March – 9am – 4.30pm
- 26 March – 9am – 7pm
- 27 March – 9am – 4.30pm
- 28 March – 9am – 4.30pm
- 31 March – 9am – 7pm
- 1 April – 9am – 7pm
- 2 April – 9am – 4pm
The Forum, Towcester
- 17 March – 9am – 4.30pm
- 18 March – 9am – 4.30pm
- 19 March – 9am – 7pm
- 21 March – 9am – 4.30pm
- 24 March – 9am – 7pm
- 25 March – 9am – 4.30pm
- 27 March – 9am – 4.30pm
- 31 March – 9am – 7pm
- 1 April – 9am – 7pm
Communication from the elections team
To ensure everyone is kept informed, WNC elections team will be sending information via email – this will include your nomination validity notice (formal receipt of nomination), therefore please ensure that you include your email address.
After the close of nominations on 2nd April the elections team will send out important emails regarding documents that candidates may need to complete however, if you are a Candidate with an Agent they ask that you confer with your Agent to ensure no duplicated requests or submissions are sent to them.
Electoral Registers
A register request form can be found below will need to be completed and returned in order to receive a copy of the electoral register, however your Parish Clerk should have an up-to-date copy already.
This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology and are in the following formats: .pdf. Request an accessible format.
Candidate Spending
The Electoral Commission provides full details on:
- How much you can spend in the lead up to the election
- Which activities count as candidate spending
- What records you must keep
- How to account for different types of spending