PEOPLE in East Sussex are being asked to consider representing their community and putting themselves forward to become a councillor.

East Sussex County Council has launched the Be A Councillor campaign to give people an insight into the role of elected members, ahead of the county council elections in May 2025.

As well as a website detailing of how people can stand at local elections, the role and responsibilities and support and training, the campaign will include information events giving people the chance to hear about the experiences of councillors and speak to officers who support them.

Cllr Keith Glazier, leader of East Sussex County Council, said: “Anyone from any background can become a councillor, represent their local community and be involved in vital decisions about council services across the county.

“Hopefully we can use the Be A Councillor campaign to show how rewarding the role can be and encourage people, who may not have considered standing for election, to find out how they can help their community and shape the future of the county.”

To support the campaign, a short film will be released in which serving councillors talk about their experiences and the support they received form the council to carry out their role.

In the film, Cllr Chris Collier, who represents Peacehaven West, says: “I think there are attributes that you could have going into being a councillor; you could be a good public speaker, but I don’t think they are all totally required because the level of support you are given by the council to be a councillor means that anybody can do it, and that’s vitally important that anybody is given the opportunity to do it, regardless of who they are and what circumstances they come from.”

Cllr Georgia Taylor, who represents Forest Row and Groombridge, said: “The thing I like most is engaging with the residents, when I manage to solve a problem or get something done; it could be a pothole that gets filled or a whole stretch of road that’s been resurfaced, or supporting someone who’s looking for a school for their child.

Cllr Carolyn Lambert, a councillor for Seaford South, said: “I love working with the community.  I absolutely love working with residents. You cannot do this work on your own.  You absolutely need the support and help of residents.”

An information event where people can ask questions and discuss the role with council officers and current councillors from all parties will take place at County Hall in Lewes on Thursday, October 10, from 6pm to 7pm.

Those wanting to attend in person or virtually via Microsoft Teams need to register by September 30 at www.tickettailor.com/events/eastsussexcountycouncil25/1348061

Visit the website to find out more about becoming a councillor and to watch the campaign video.

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