Become a Councillor
Be a Councillor. Be the Change.
- Do you care passionately about Merthyr Tydfil?
- Are you ready to make a change?
- Why not stand for what you believe in and become a local Councillor?
Who can become a Councillor?
Provided you meet the criteria below you could become the next councillor for your ward. There are no formal qualifications required and Wales needs more women, LGBTQ+ people, disabled people, and young people to stand for elections. To honour our pledge to become a diverse council which was taken to Council in September 2021, we encourage you to be the change.
All candidates must be:
- Over 18
- A UK, EU, Commonwealth or qualifying foreign citizen; and
- Registered to vote or have lived, worked or owned property in Merthyr Tydfil at least 12 month prior to the election on or before May 2027.
How to become a Councillor?
Councillors are elected every five years to represent their local community in the running of the local council. Unless a casual vacancy occurs, the next election will take place in May 2027.
Are Councillors paid?
Councillors are entitled to different types of salaries, allowances and expenses dependent on their roles and responsibilities as determined by the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales.
The Council will publish all salaries, travel, subsistence and care allowances that are paid to Councillors and co-opted members each year along with any registered personal or financial interests which they are required to report on as per the Code of Conduct.