Become a councillor

Walsall Borough is made up of 20 wards, represented by three councillors in each ward. Councillors are elected in local council elections.

Find out when the next local council elections will be held.

Stand for election as a councillor

If you want to represent a particular political party as a councillor, you must contact that political party and go through their selection process. Learn more and find out how to start the process.

Most candidates are affiliated to political parties but you can choose to stand as an independent candidate instead. If you would like to stand as an independent councillor learn more and and find out how to start the process.

Qualifications 

To stand for election as a councillor for Walsall Council, you must: 

• be 18 years old or over on the day of your nomination
• be a British citizen, a citizen of the Republic of Ireland, a citizen of a member state of the EU with qualified or retained rights or a qualifying Commonwealth citizen
• be registered to vote in and/or have either lived, worked or owned property in the Walsall Council area for at least one year before an election.

Disqualifications 

There are a range of disqualifications which can prevent a person from standing as candidate at a local election.  

You cannot be a councillor if you: 

• work for the council you want to be a councillor for, or for another local authority in a politically restricted post
• are the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order
• have been sentenced to prison for 3 months or more (including suspended sentences) during the 5 years before election day
• have been convicted of a corrupt or illegal practice by an election court. 

This is not an exhaustive list. You can find out more from the Electoral Commission.

Nomination process 

Nomination period dates will be published before an election is due to take place.  

Any person wishing to stand as a candidate will need to complete the following paperwork: 

• a nomination paper, countersigned by two registered electors for the ward in which you are standing for election
• a consent to nomination, confirming that you are willing to stand for election and witnessed by one other person
• an appointment of election agent, unless you are taking this role on yourself 

Nomination forms and guidance documents are available from the Electoral Commission. 

If you are a candidate for a registered political party you will also need to submit: 

• a certificate of authorisation from the political party
• a request to use the party emblem on the ballot paper 

More information and help

If you are interested in being a candidate, please email us to be added to the mailing list. Candidate briefing sessions, outlining the process, will be held in early 2026.