Thank you for showing an interest in applying for approval to be a candidate in 2024 or 2025’s local elections. Approvals and selections are conducted in line with the local party’s Approval and Selection Policy.

Two approval processes will take place in 2023/24:

1. Approval for 2024 Eastleigh Borough Council Elections. Approval is required for all candidates who wish to stand in this election on behalf of the Liberal Democrats.

2. Pre-approval for 2025 Hampshire County Council Elections. Pre-approval is designed to give those seeking approval for 2025 elections the best chance of meeting the revised approval requirements for County Council candidates, and to begin building the team that is required to be successfully elected.

To apply for approval, please complete and return the approval application form. To obtain an application form, please contact organiser@eastleighlibdems.org.uk

The application form is designed to give the local party and those who will be sitting on your approvals interview panel the best information possible to make sure we approve and select the right candidates. The local party is keen to help anyone who is passionate enough to get elected. All details provided will be treated with strictest confidentiality.

Completed forms must be received by the 22nd December 2023 and can be emailed to organiser@eastleighlibdems.org.uk or posted to Eastleigh Liberal Democrats, Unit 2, Crescent House, Yonge Close, Eastleigh, SO50 9SX

The local party is more than happy to offer help and training to any campaigner wanting to improve their skills, with the national party, ALDC and the LGA also providing training to those who want or require it.

By submitting an application form you are also confirming that you are eligible to stand in the forthcoming elections, for most this will be a simple formality, but please do ask if you want to check that you are allowed to stand.

There are also some legal and organisational documents that the local party will ask you to sign up to in order to be approved, these are:

• Standing Orders (“Guidelines”) of the Liberal Democrat Council Group - this includes the rules the govern our council group and deals with the “group subscription”;

• The Code of Conduct for postal and proxy votes;

• The Councillor’s Charter;

• National Code of Conduct for elected members;

• Procedure for the Selection for Council Candidates.

Copies of all of these are available on request, and will be provided at your approval interview.

Thanks again for your interest in standing as a representative of the Liberal Democrats.