Somerset Council Hosts Webinar on Becoming a Councillor

An informative session on 30 November will guide potential candidates through the process and responsibilities of local government.

Generic image of people attending a webinar on a laptop.
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Generic image of people attending a webinar on a laptop.

Somerset Council is preparing for its 2027 elections and is offering guidance to residents interested in becoming a councillor.

The elections for all 96 seats on the council are scheduled for 6 May 2027. To support potential candidates, the council is providing information and assistance now.
A special webinar will be held on 30 November, commencing at 4pm. This event is open to everyone and will include a dedicated question and answer session.
The webinar will be hosted by the council’s Chief Executive and Returning Officer, Duncan Sharkey. Councillor Evie Potts-Jones will share her personal experiences of being a councillor.
Senior officers will provide an overview of the council's functions, covering areas such as Children’s and Adults Services, community initiatives, and the local economy. The practical aspects of becoming a councillor, including form completion deadlines and submission procedures, will be explained by the head of elections services. Information on eligibility criteria, such as age, citizenship, and residency or work requirements, will also be detailed.
The session will conclude with a Q&A session, also hosted by Duncan Sharkey, offering a safe and welcoming environment for attendees to ask questions.
The webinar will be accessible via Microsoft Teams. Interested individuals can find the joining link on the council's website. Additionally, a new guide detailing the role and responsibilities of a councillor is available on the Somerset Council website under the title “Guide for Candidates 2027”.
Based on information from the official source: Somerset Waste Partnership (09/11/2026)