Become a Councillor

Join Our Become A Councillor Event

An in-person event for all prospective candidates will be taking place at the Old Town Hall, Stratford, at 7:30pm on Monday 16th March, 2026, to provide more information on standing for election and being a Councillor. This is a non-political event solely focused on providing more information on becoming a Councillor To register your interest, please email democraticservices@newham.gov.uk

Newham Council is committed to ensuring that local democracy reflects the diversity, experiences, and priorities of our borough. Serving as a Councillor is a significant public role that carries legal, ethical, and civic responsibilities. This page outlines the purpose of the role, expectations placed on elected members, and the support available to those considering standing for election.

Role and Purpose of a Councillor

Councillors are elected to represent the interests of residents within their ward and to contribute to the effective governance of the London Borough of Newham. As an elected member, you will:

• Provide community leadership, ensuring that local priorities, concerns, and aspirations inform council decision‑making.
• Participate in the development, scrutiny, and approval of policies, strategies, and services that affect Newham’s residents.
• Contribute to the fair, transparent, and lawful governance of the Council through attendance at Council and Committee meetings.
• Support individuals and groups by helping them access services, resolve issues, and navigate council processes through casework and surgeries.
• Act in accordance with the Councillor Code of Conduct, upholding high standards of behaviour, integrity, and accountability in all aspects of public service.

Councillors may hold roles on committees, partnership boards, or external bodies, and are expected to ensure that decisions are taken in the public interest and align with statutory duties.

What Councils Do

Newham Council delivers a broad range of statutory and discretionary services including but not limited to housing, social care, education, community safety, public health, waste and recycling, and libraries. Councillors help influence how these services are prioritised, designed, and monitored to ensure value for money and positive outcomes for residents.

Standing for Election

Individuals may stand for election to the role of ward Councillor if they meet national eligibility criteria, which include being:

• Aged 18 or over
• A British citizen or qualifying Commonwealth citizen
• Living, working or owning property in the London Borough of Newham

Candidates may stand for a political party or as an independent.

Being a Councillor is a part‑time but demanding public role. The time commitment varies depending on committee responsibilities, casework volume, and community engagement activities, but the average Councillor is estimated to dedicate 20 hours per week to their role. No specific qualifications or experience are required to become a Councillor, and the role enables you to work flexibly and earn an allowance.

Support and Development

The Council provides all elected members with:

• A comprehensive induction programme following election
• Ongoing training and development, including mandatory and specialist modules, guidance on governance, ethics, decision‑making, and statutory duties, personal development opportunities and access to a Members’ learning portal.
• Facilities and resources required to carry out the role effectively

Why Stand for Election

We encourage residents from all communities, backgrounds, and professions to consider standing as councillors. A representative and inclusive council strengthens local democracy and ensures that Newham’s priorities reflect the lived experiences of those who call the borough home. Becoming a councillor provides an opportunity to influence positive change, champion fairness, and contribute directly to the borough’s long‑term wellbeing and prosperity. Further guidance can be accessed via the Local Government Association’s Be a Councillor webpage, or you can contact the Council’s Democratic Services team at democraticservices@newham.gov.uk.