You’ve Been Elected—Now What? A Practical Guide for New Councillors in the UK
- truthaboutlocalgov
- May 29
- 5 min read
Congratulations! You’ve just been elected as a councillor. Whether you stood for a major party, a new political movement like Reform, or as an independent, you’ve achieved something significant. You’ve earned the trust of your community and now have the opportunity to represent them in your local council.
But now the campaigning is over, the leaflets are recycled, and you’re sitting in your first council meeting. You might be wondering: Where do I sit? Do I raise my hand to speak? What am I actually allowed to do?
If you’re new to politics, this guide is for you. It’s designed to help you land well, avoid common pitfalls, and build strong, respectful relationships with officers and fellow councillors. Let’s walk through what to expect, what’s expected of you, and how to make the most of your new role.
1. The First Council Meeting: What to Expect
Your first full council meeting can feel overwhelming. There’s a formal agenda, a sea of unfamiliar faces, and a lot of procedural language. But don’t worry—everyone was new once.
Where Do I Sit?
Seating is usually arranged by political group. If you’re part of a party, your group leader or whip will guide you. If you’re an independent or from a new party, the democratic services team will assign you a seat—often grouped with other non-aligned members.
“I remember walking into the chamber and not knowing where to go. A friendly officer quietly pointed me to my seat. That small gesture made a big difference.” — Former Independent Councillor, North West England
Do I Raise My Hand to Speak?
Yes, but it depends on the meeting’s rules. Most councils follow a version of Standing Orders—rules that govern how meetings are run. Typically, you’ll raise your hand or press a button to indicate you want to speak. The Chair (or Mayor) will call on you in turn.
If you’re unsure, observe how others do it, or ask the democratic services officer before the meeting starts. They’re there to help.
2. Understanding Your Role: What You Can and Can’t Do
Being a councillor is a powerful role—but it comes with boundaries. You’re not a manager or a service director. You’re a representative, a decision-maker, and a community advocate.
What You Can Do:
Represent your ward: Listen to residents, raise their concerns, and advocate for their needs.
Scrutinise decisions: Ask questions, challenge proposals, and hold the executive to account.
Shape policy: Participate in committees, contribute to debates, and influence the direction of the council.
Support casework: Help residents navigate council services, from housing to planning.
What You Can’t Do:
Deploy council resources: You can’t instruct officers to take action or spend money. That’s a decision for the council or its executive.
Interfere in operational matters: You’re not there to manage staff or direct day-to-day services.
Promise outcomes: You can advocate, but you can’t guarantee results—be honest with residents about what’s possible.
“One of the hardest lessons was realising I couldn’t just ‘fix’ things. I had to work through the system, build relationships, and influence decisions.” — New Councillor, Reform UK
3. Building Relationships with Officers
Officers are the professional staff who run the council. They’re not political—they serve the whole council and are bound by codes of impartiality. Building a respectful, constructive relationship with officers is essential.
How to Work Well with Officers:
Be polite and professional: Treat officers with the same respect you’d expect in return.
Use the right channels: Don’t bypass processes. If you have a casework issue, use the member enquiry system or speak to the relevant officer.
Understand their role: Officers provide advice, implement decisions, and manage services. They’re not there to do your bidding, but to support the democratic process.
Ask questions, not demands: “Can you help me understand this?” goes much further than “Why haven’t you done this?”
“The best councillors are those who listen, ask thoughtful questions, and respect the boundaries. That’s how trust is built.” — Senior Council Officer, London Borough
4. Navigating the Political Landscape
If you’re from a smaller party or an independent, you may not have the support structures that larger parties provide. That can be daunting—but it also gives you freedom.
Tips for New or Independent Councillors:
Find allies: You don’t need to be in a group to build relationships. Look for councillors who share your values or interests.
Be visible in your ward: Your strength is your connection to your community. Keep that front and centre.
Stay informed: Read the agenda papers, attend briefings, and ask questions. Knowledge is power.
Use external networks: Organisations like the Local Government Association (LGA) offer training, mentoring, and support for all councillors, regardless of party.
“As an independent, I had to learn fast. But I also had the freedom to speak my mind and vote with my conscience.” — Independent Councillor, South West England
5. The Code of Conduct: Staying on the Right Side
Every councillor must abide by a Code of Conduct. This sets out the standards of behaviour expected of you, including:
Acting with integrity and honesty
Treating others with respect
Avoiding conflicts of interest
Not bringing the council into disrepute
Breaches can lead to complaints, investigations, and sanctions. If in doubt, seek advice from the Monitoring Officer—they’re there to help you stay on track.
6. Making an Impact: How to Be Effective
You don’t need to be loud to be effective. Some of the most impactful councillors are those who listen carefully, build consensus, and work steadily behind the scenes.
Ways to Make a Difference:
Champion local issues: Whether it’s a broken pavement or a major planning application, show residents you’re on their side.
Ask good questions: In meetings, focus on clarity, evidence, and outcomes.
Work cross-party: Many issues—like housing, transport, or climate—transcend party lines. Collaboration gets results.
Stay grounded: Keep in touch with your community. Hold surgeries, attend events, and be visible.
“You don’t have to know everything. Just be curious, be kind, and be committed to your community.” — LGA Councillor Mentor
7. Looking After Yourself
Being a councillor can be demanding. The hours are irregular, the issues can be emotive, and the public scrutiny is real. It’s important to look after your wellbeing.
Tips for Self-Care:
Set boundaries: You’re not on call 24/7. It’s okay to switch off.
Use support networks: Talk to fellow councillors, mentors, or support officers.
Take breaks: Don’t burn out. Rest is part of resilience.
Celebrate wins: Even small victories matter. Take pride in your impact.
Final Thoughts: You Belong Here
It’s easy to feel like an imposter when you’re new—especially if you don’t come from a traditional political background. But remember: you were elected. Your voice matters. Your perspective is valuable.
You don’t need to know everything on day one. What matters is your willingness to learn, to listen, and to serve your community with integrity.
“I was nervous at first. But over time, I found my voice. I realised I didn’t have to be like everyone else—I just had to be myself, and do the job well.” — First-Term Councillor, Midlands
Resources for New Councillors
Local Government Association (LGA): Offers induction programmes, mentoring, and resources for all councillors.
Centre for Governance and Scrutiny (CfGS): Great for understanding scrutiny and governance.
Your council’s Monitoring Officer: Your go-to for advice on conduct, declarations, and procedures.
Democratic Services Team: They support councillors with meeting logistics, training, and guidance.
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