Have you ever thought about representing your community as a County Councillor? Rutland County Council is offering you the chance to find out what it takes to be a local representative at a series of events in December. 

Local elections for all 27 seats on Rutland County Council will take place in May 2023. It is hoped that shedding light on the work that Councillors do and encouraging more people to stand in these elections will increase the choice and variety of candidates for voters.

The first of three prospective Councillor events will be held in the main Council Chamber at Rutland County Council's Catmose offices in Oakham, from 6.00pm to 8.00pm on Monday the 12th of December 2022. The first hour will include a presentation and question-answer session. The second hour will be a drop-in session where people can collect information and speak to officers at any time between 7.00pm and 8.00pm.

Two further drop-in sessions will take place outside of Oakham – one at Uppingham Town Hall from 6.00pm to 8.00pm on Monday the 19th of December and one at Ketton Library from 2.00pm to 4.00pm on Wednesday the 21st of December. 

Anyone can attend these free events, where they can learn about the role of a Councillor, the work that Councillors do and how to stand for election next year.  

Councillor Lucy Stephenson, Leader of Rutland County Council, said: "For those who care deeply about where they live and want to make a positive contribution to society, there is no better job than being a Councillor. That doesn't mean it's easy – bringing about change can be difficult at the best of times and we are living through a particularly challenging period in our history. However, if you are hardworking, responsible, public-spirited and willing to make tough decisions for the benefit of Rutland, as a whole, you will find being a Councillor incredibly rewarding."

So the numbers can be monitored, Rutland County Council is asking people to email [email protected] or call 01572 720 993 to register an interest in attending these events. You can also submit questions about becoming a councillor by email, ahead of the events via these channels.