Nominations for the 2011 LGA Lib Dem group elections are now open, nomination form is attached. If you are interested in representing your colleagues at a national level or just want to know a bit more, read the short summary below and then go to the following web address for a full guide to the elections: http://www.libdemgroup.lga.gov.uk/lga/aio/18947767
If you would like to stand for a post, please complete the form (download a form here) and then either print out, sign and post/fax back (details on form) or else email it back to libdem@local.gov.uk and ask your proposer and seconder to email their consent separately – Nominations close on 12 July.
Why should I stand in these elections?
Because you would get the opportunity to:
• Represent Lib Dem councillors at a national level
• Be involved in high level ministerial and parliamentary meetings
• Voice directly your council or council group’s concerns in Westminster
• Influence the strategy and policy of the LG Group
• Access senior party figures and help develop party policy
• Receive research & support from LG Group officers and the Lib Dem office
What will be required of me?
• Commitment to Lib Dems and to local government
• Ability to attend regular meetings in London for a period of two years (you must check with your authority whether they will cover your travel expenses it is an approved duty of LGA membership) which are usually held during office hours
• Listen to and represent Lib Dem local government views at meetings and feed back to councillors
• Lead specialist conferences, prepare briefing materials and press statements as appropriate
• To set out a work programme each year, to be agreed by the Lib Dem Group.
How do I apply?
1. Choose the position(s) for which you would like to apply. You can apply for more than one role but you can only accept a position on one board, panel or commission (the group executive is not included in this).
2. We advise that you then check with your authority that they consent to cover your expenses whilst you are attending meetings on their behalf. It is an approved duty of LG Group membership that they should do so.
3. Send in your completed nomination form or ask your proposer and seconder to email libdem.info@local.gov.uk between 28 June and 12 July 2011. Proposer and seconder must be from different LG Group member authorities.
4. Send your electoral address to libdem.info@local.gov.uk by 12 July. This must be one side of A5 and in pdf format. Endorsements are not permitted.
5. Get campaigning. Talk to as many Lib Dem councillors as you can but you cannot incur personal expense for things like phone-banking or commercial emailing. The ballot will open on 22 July and close on 15 August.