ANYONE passionate about their local community and with ideas on shaping the future of Cornwall is being encouraged to stand for election to Cornwall Council or their local town or parish council.

Nomination packs, which contain all the forms a candidate needs to stand for election, are now available.

On May 6, voters will cast their votes to elect their local Cornwall Councillor. On the same day elections will also take place for many town and parish councils, as well as the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner.

Following the Electoral Review of Cornwall Council, there will be 87 electoral divisions across Cornwall, as compared with 123 up until now. Voters will elect one Cornwall Councillor to represent each division for the next four years.

Kate Kennally, Chief Executive for Cornwall Council and Returning Officer for Cornwall, said: “Councillors make decisions that affect the lives of residents across the Duchy.

“They look at the issues that matter most to local people and really can make a difference.

“We need people from all walks of life to represent their local communities and help shape the future of Cornwall.”

Elected members are given a laptop to help with their work and they will receive support, help and advice from council officers. Councillors also receive a basic annual allowance.

Candidates must be 18 years old or over.

Those who are considering standing for election can find information, advice and support on Cornwall Council’s Be a Councillor webpage.

To request a nomination pack, you can contact the Council’s elections team by calling 01209 614373 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, you can download the packs from the Electoral Commission website.

Close of nominations is 4pm on April 8, 2021.