Could You Be Cornwall’s Next Councillor? Find Out at the Councillor Fair

Published On: 11 January 2025Last Updated: 11 January 2025By CornishStuff

Are you passionate about making a difference in your local community? If you’ve ever considered standing for election as a councillor, the upcoming Councillor Fair at New County Hall in Truro could help you take the next step.

Event Details

Taking place on Saturday, 18th January 2025, the Councillor Fair provides valuable insight into what it means to represent your community. Cornwall has 213 parishes, represented by a mix of town, parish, and city councils, alongside 87 electoral divisions for Cornwall Council, each with a dedicated councillor.

The event runs from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and offers an in-depth look at the roles of councillors at different levels, featuring talks from key figures and interactive sessions to answer your questions.

The Programme

09:00 – Arrival and registration
09:45 – Welcome and introduction by Pauline Giles BEM, Chairman of the Council
09:50 – Overview of Cornwall Council by Kate Kennally, Chief Executive (with an opportunity for questions)
10:20 – Being a Cornwall Councillor session with Matt Stokes, Monitoring Officer (including a Q&A)
10:50 – Being a City, Town, or Parish Councillor session with Sarah Mason from the Cornwall Association of Local Councillors (CALC) (including a Q&A)
11:20 – Q&A session with political group leaders, chaired by Pauline Giles BEM
11:50 – Closing remarks by Pauline Giles BEM
12:00 – Lunch
13:00 – Political group sessions – an opportunity for candidates to meet political group leaders or representatives

What to Expect

This free event is your chance to hear from council officers, including Cornwall Council Chief Executive Kate Kennally, and current councillors who will be on hand to answer questions and share their experiences.

The fair offers:

Information about being a Cornwall Councillor
An overview of City, Town, and Parish Councillor roles
A dedicated question time session with existing councillors
The chance to speak with council services that support councillors
An opportunity to meet political groups and gain first-hand insight into their roles

Refreshments will also be available to purchase throughout the morning.

Why Attend?

Pauline Giles BEM said:
“Being a councillor is very rewarding, and you can make a real difference to the lives of the people that live in your local community. If you’re passionate about Cornwall and the people who live here, come and find out more and see if it’s right for you.”

Chief Executive Kate Kennally added:
“Councillors come from all walks of life, but the one thing they have in common is a desire and passion to make a difference. We need people from all backgrounds and experiences who reflect the whole of Cornwall to stand for election. I would urge anyone who is interested in being a councillor to come along to the Councillor Fair to find out more.”

Book Your Spot

If you’re interested in attending, you can find the full itinerary and book your place on the Cornwall Council website.

This could be your first step towards shaping the future of Cornwall—don’t miss the opportunity to see if being a councillor is the right path for you.