Local elections: nominations now open

This year's local elections are to take place in many parts of the country on 5 May 2022. At a time of increasing pressure on councils to pass 'virtue'-signalling motions attacking livestock farming and country sports, it is hugely important that these elections see the return of councillors who understand the realities of the countryside.

If you would like to make a difference to your community and are prepared to help turn the tide, we would like to ask you to consider standing for election. You could stand as an independent candidate or a representative of the political party you support. To find out whether your council is holding elections this year, you can enter your postcode on the Electoral Commission's form here.

The schedules for elections will differ between councils but they must publish the notice of election no later than today, Monday 28 March. Nominations can then be made until 4PM on Tuesday 5 April. Your political party or the elections team at your council will be able to provide more information about how to stand for election, and there is also a guide and links to further details available here. The LGA has a guide to being a councillor, which you can find here.

We hope you will consider putting yourself forward or, alternatively, reserving your support for a candidate who understands and will defend rural interests.