FUTURE COUNCILLORS PROGRAMME

Building socialism in your community

Deadline for applications extended to noon Wednesday June 24th!!!

The next few years will bring huge political upheaval. We know our movement has the ideas and energy to build a better world from the rubble of this crisis. And, in local government, we have the opportunity.

Already, socialist councillors in places like Salford, Preston, Brighton and elsewhere are delivering progressive change in their communities. With selections to become a Labour councillor in 2022 coming up fast, this is your chance to join them.

The Future Councillors Programme is designed to support socialist activists who want to stand in the 2022 local elections. Developed and run by experienced left-wing councillors and facilitated by Momentum regional organisers, it’s designed to give you everything you need to get selected and start building socialism in your community.

Many MPs and senior trade unionists started off as councillors. If you want to take a leadership position in our movement, becoming a councillor is the best place to start building the skills and experience you’ll need to lead.

Join the Future Councillors Programme and access:

Briefings on what it means to be a socialist councillor and discussions on the challenges and expectations of the role.
Trainings run by experienced Momentum councillors in your region on at least a monthly basis, starting in July (exact dates tbc soon).
Coaching through the selection process and support running a good campaign (including guidance on how to campaign effectively during lockdown, if selections happen in these circumstances).
A supportive network of prospective socialist councillors and acting councillors who you can turn for for advice and support.
If you’re elected, an invite to Momentum’s Councillor’s Network.

Councils play a huge role in providing services to the most vulnerable, so you’ll make a real difference on the frontline. From the Greater London Council in the 1980s to Preston’s community wealth building, there’s a long history of building socialism at the council level.

How to Apply?

To apply, please read the criteria for entry below and, if you believe you meet them, fill out this application form before noon on Wednesday June 24th. We will endeavour to include as many applicants as possible who meet the criteria specified above. We will carry out checks where necessary, including social media searches and talking with local activists in order to make sure applicants meet the criteria below. We’ll respond to applicants within two weeks of the deadline.

Apply here

Criteria for entry

Commitment to promoting socialism and increasing democracy in local government, and supporting community campaigns that empower working class people. (For more information on Momentum’s Councillor network, see here.)
Demonstrable commitment to and support for Momentum and our objectives in the Labour Party, Parliament and society (see our Constitution here).
We specifically encourage applications from people from underrepresented backgrounds, including working class people, women, BAME people, LGBT+ people, and disabled people. We will take measures to ensure applicants are from diverse backgrounds. Please note that there are strict rules around quotas and All Women Shortlists in different wards, so we will take this into consideration.
Experience of representing and defending the interests of exploited and underrepresented groups in society.
Formally eligible to stand as a Councillor in the relevant local government area (see below for eligibility criteria).
Must have a credible chance of being selected, either due to being an active Labour Party member, trade unionist, community activist, or person from a community underrepresented on the council where the applicant intends to stand.
Commitment to completing the course, and to attending all key trainings (trainings will be approximately one per month. More comprehensive details to be confirmed closer to the time).

Formal Labour Party Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, candidates must be:

British or a citizen of the Commonwealth or European Union;
At least 18 years old;
Registered to vote in the area or have lived, worked or owned property there for at least 12 months before the relevant election,
To have paid the Party membership contribution at the appropriate rate and have at least 12 months’ continuous national individual membership of the Party in the electoral area concerned at the date of nomination;
Be a member of a trade union affiliated to the Trade Union Congress or considered by the NEC as a bona fide trade union and contribute to the political fund of that union;
Not work for the council you want to be a councillor for, or for another local authority in a political restricted post (but you can work for another local authority in a non politically restricted post);
Not be the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order;
Not have been sentenced to prison for three months or more (including suspended sentences) during the 5 years before election day;
Not have been convicted of a corrupt or illegal practice by an election court.

ber of a trade union;

Not work for the council you want to be a councillor for, or for another local authority in a political restricted post (but you can work for another local authority in a non politically restricted post);
Not be the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order;
Not have been sentenced to prison for three months or more (including suspended sentences) during the 5 years before election day;
Not have been convicted of a corrupt or illegal practice by an election court.

Please note: Momentum National has not endorsed candidates for local elections in the past, and being accepted onto the training program is not a guarantee of endorsement or support by local Momentum or other left groups in selection procedures.