In preparation for the upcoming elections in May, Rutland County Council is holding two Candidates and Agents Briefing Sessions for anyone considering standing.

Sessions will take place from 6pm – 8pm on Tuesday 28 February at Oakham Museum, and from 3pm – 5pm on Monday 13 March in the Council Chamber at Catmose House.

Oakham Museum. Image credit: Nub News.

The briefings will give anyone interested in becoming a councillor help and information regarding standing for either a County Council vacancy or a parish council vacancy. It will also cover key dates, qualifications/disqualifications, the submission of nomination papers, agents' roles, postal votes, voter ID, the poll, the count and candidate spending.

Rutland County Council offices. Image credit: RCC.

Rutland County Council's Election Team will be at hand to help with any enquiries you may have.

Mark Andrews, Returning Officer for Rutland County Council, said: 'This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in representing residents and being involved in the decision making process in Rutland to get the information they need on how to stand as a councillor.'

If you would like to come along to either of the briefing sessions, please register for a place by emailing [email protected] or calling 01572 758385.

Further information can be found at online.

Alternatively, find out more about the role here.

Lucy Stephenson, Rutland County Council Leader, said: "For those who care deeply about where they live and want 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're 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."

Local elections are set to take place on Thursday 4 May 2023.