Free information session for prospective councillor candidates

As the May local elections approach, preparations are at an advanced stage for prospective candidates.

Free information sessions are being held early next month for anyone considering standing as a councillor.

The sessions will help candidates find out more about what the job of a Moray Council involves.

The two-hour session will take place in the council chambers in Elgin on the morning of Saturday, March 4.

It will give prospective candidates an insight into how local government works and the part that elected members play in the democratic process. There will also be information about the election and the nomination process.

Senior managers and the election team will be on hand to answer any queries that attendees might have.

The session will be informal and entirely without commitment on the part of those thinking of putting their names forward in the May 4 elections.

Returning Officer for Moray, Mark Palmer, said: “There may be prospective candidates considering standing for election and I would encourage them to come forward and find out more about the role. Everyone’s welcome.

“Those new to the process may feel daunted by the prospect of putting them themselves forward. The session has been developed to give some understanding to the pressures and challenges that a councillor will face, particularly in the current financial climate within the local authority. In addition we will talk about the process of becoming nominated to be a candidate, things to think about during the campaign, polling day and the count.”

There are 26 seats across 8 wards available in the forthcoming election. A number of current councillors have indicated that they do not intend to stand again.

Places at the session should be booked by calling the Moray Council elections office on 01343 563459 or emailing election.enquiries@moray.gov.uk where more information on the session is also available.

If you can’t attend the session but wish to find out more information please contact the elections office and the team will be able to assist you.

Note:

Candidate nominations open on Tuesday 14 March and close at 4pm on Wednesday 29 March. Thereafter a ‘Statement of Persons nominated’ will be published by the Returning Officer showing candidates that have formally been nominated in each ward.

Moray Council area stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Forres in the west. The council and its 4,500 employees respond to the needs of 95,510 residents in this beautiful part of Scotland, which nestles between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands.

Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live.

Headquartered in  Elgin, the administrative capital of Moray.