These are listed in the business and services section of the BT Phone Book under "Conservative Associations", "Labour Party", "Liberal Democrats", "Liberal Party", "Green Party", etc.

Many parties also have a national website, through which you can get information about their organisations in your area.

The parties currently represented on the Newham Council are (in alphabetical order):

• Christian Peoples Alliance
• Conservative Party
• Labour Party
• Respect

Links to many other political parties are available from the Register of Political Parties.

Selection process

Each party has its own selection process for candidates and the first step is normally joining the local branch of your chosen party. Local parties then run a selection process for candidates in the run up to a local election.

Once selected the party will then support its candidate for the election and, if elected, the candidate will then become a councillor for that particular party on the council. In order to use a party name / logo you must be the official party candidate.

Please note that it is unlikely you would be selected by a party to run in this election, as most parties have already selected their candidates.