Step 1: Online Registration and validation

Rather than complete a paper form which needs to be returned to the local secretary, candidates are instead able to complete a short application online, including a short statement on why they wish to be a Labour and Co-operative candidate. Once this application has been received it will be checked by Head Office to make sure that the candidate is up to date with their membership fees.

Step 2: Details sent to Branches & Party Councils for approval

After these initial checks, Head Office will send the application to the relevant branch and party council. The branch or party council may put support for candidates to a meeting of all members or delegates, or alternatively can authorise the secretary, chair or a panel of 2-3 to approve candidates on their behalf.

If appropriate, the branch or party council may wish to conduct interviews with candidates or ask them to address a meeting.

If the branch or party council agrees that a candidate may stand as Labour and Co-operative, this does not automatically mean that they are entitled to financial support from the Co-operative Party, and a decision on campaign donations may be made later by the Party Council.

The branch or party council will be asked to inform Head Office of its decision as soon as possible after their meeting.

Step 3: Candidates notified of outcome

The candidate will be informed on whether they have been authorised to stand as Labour and Co-operative shortly after the meeting. This may be either the branch, party council or Head Office.

Where a candidate has been endorsed and all candidates in the ward are Labour and Co-operative, they will receive a certificate and a campaign pack from Head Office in time for nominations and can use the joint description on the ballot paper.

Where a candidate has been endorsed in a multi-member ward with candidates who are Labour-only, they will receive a campaign pack from Head Office and be able to use the joint logo on their campaign materials. They will appear on the ballot paper solely as Labour but will still be recognised as Labour and Co-operative councillors should they get elected.

If a local party branch or council accepts applications locally and they are approved then they can notify Head Office of their decision using the following form. These candidates do not have to also fill in the online form.

We would encourage local parties to submit this information as soon as they can, so we can provide support during the campaign and the candidates receive their certificate and campaign pack in time.

There is an updated short guide which explains the benefits of being a Co-op Councillors and the process for interested candidates.