Heading into election season

It’s door knocking and leaflet season as Powys prepares for its town, community and county council elections on May 5, but a call has been made for more people to step forward to stand for election. 

People in Powys considering standing in the local government elections in May have a fortnight to submit their nomination papers. 

The notice of election for both the county council and town and community council elections has been published and anyone considering standing as a candidate have until 4pm on April 5 to submit their nomination paper to the Returning Officer.

The main political parties will be fielding candidates across the area, and the Liberal Democrats chose Welshpool to launch their campaign when newly elected MP for North Shropshire, Helen Morgan, and Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader and Senedd Member, Jane Dodds, joined local candidates on the campaign trail (pictured).

Local government elections are held every five years and provide people with an opportunity to influence who controls the council and the direction of council policies and spending.

Following a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales there are 60 electoral wards in Powys. The number of councillors that will be elected to Powys County Council will decrease from 73 to 68.

For the 110 town and community councils in Powys, there are a total of 1,040 community councillors to be elected.

Powys Returning Officer, Dr Caroline Turner said: “Residents decide to become a councillor for a variety of reasons, for instance because they are active in their community or committed to a particular issue or political party, but whatever the reason they are often surprised by the amount and variety of interesting work.

“Almost anyone can be a local councillor and it is important that we get a range of different people from different backgrounds to represent local communities. It is a challenging role but one that can be very rewarding.”

If you are interested in obtaining a nomination pack or finding out more about the election process, emailelectoral.services@powys.gov.uk or visit https://en.powys.gov.uk/elections. Alternatively, telephone Electoral Services on 01597 826202.