Here we go again! Local elections in England will be held on the 1 May 2025. There is much at stake including all seats on all 21 county councils and 9 unitary authorities. It might surprise, but despite the amazing General Election result, the Tories control all but 2 County Councils.

The good news is that following the General Election we have both Labour and Labour & Co-operative MPs representing many rural constituencies for the very first time. Voters in these areas have the opportunity to get to know and appreciate what it means to have proactive MPs who care about their patch.

The local elections therefore offer what is perhaps a unique opportunity to take council seats which the Tories have held for generations, take control of County Councils which we’ve not controlled for years, and at the same time help lay the foundations for a successful General Election next time round.

In many parts of the country, Labour has already started the selections and candidate recruitment process, but given the numbers needed for a full slate of candidates, it’s often a logistical challenge for Labour to find enough candidates for every County Council seat. The big picture is that it’s not too late for people wanting to stand.

But we know that standing for election can be daunting, especially if you have never done it before. That’s why over a number of years, we’ve developed a supportive and comprehensive Councillor Development Programme. Ideal for the first-time candidate but also a useful refresher for more experienced candidate, it covers everything that you need to know.

Best of all, it’s free for Co-op Party members and it’s the first step for people wanting to stand as a Labour & Co-operative council candidate.

So what are you waiting for? Register for the Co-operative Party’s Councillor Development Programme today.