Become a councillor

What councillors do

The main responsibility of a councillor is to represent their ward and the people who live in it. They also help to shape council policies and though they do not directly manage council services, they can influence what those services will be like.

Councillors are also required to attend various meetings to carry out their duties. For more information, read our councillor role profiles that explain more about key roles for every Islington member. 

Payment and allowance

Councillors do not work for the council and are not paid a salary. Instead they receive an allowance as outlined in the Members' Allowances Scheme, Part 7 of the council’s constitution. 

Next local election for councillors

Local government elections take place at least once every four years and the next local election for councillors in Islington is likely to take place in May 2026.

Who can be a councillor

To be a councillor, you must be:

• British or a citizen of the Commonwealth. You may also be eligible as a citizen of the European Union, however as the UK has left the European Union, check the GOV.UK website for advice for EU citizens' voting and candidacy rights in local elections.
• registered to vote in the area or have lived, worked or own property there for at least 12 months before the election.
• at least 18 years old.

You can’t:

• work for the council you want to be a councillor for, or work for another local authority in a politically restricted post
• be the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order
• have been sentenced to prison for three months or more (including suspended sentences) during the five years before election day
• have been convicted of a corrupt or illegal practice by an election court
• be subject to any relevant notification requirements, or a relevant order, in respect of a sexual offence

How to become a councillor

Councillors can either represent a political group or stand as an independent candidate. If you want to represent a political group, contact the group’s local branch as soon as possible to get advice about standing or representing them.

If you plan to stand as an independent councillor, contact the Electoral Services team at electoral.services@islington.gov.uk.

Events

Come along to our ‘Be A Councillor’ event on Thursday 17 October, 6pm to 8pm. You'll learn about the role of councllor and what you need to do now in preparation for the next local elections in May 2026. Book your place on Eventbrite.

Our Residents Get Involved: Council Fair event takes place on Thursday 17 October at 4pm. Hear all you need to know about getting involved in your local community and becoming active in the local democratic process in Islington. Speak to those who can advise you on, becoming a school governor, participating at ward partnership meetings or even becoming a trustee and volunteer. Get tickets on Eventbrite.

More information about becoming a councillor

Visit the Local Government Association (LGA) website for more information on becoming a councillor. 

For any other information, contact our Democratic Services team at democracy@islington.gov.uk.