Candidates are being sought for the local government elections to be held on 5 May, when 64 councillors will be chosen to sit on South Lanarkshire Council.

Those who are elected won’t just get to speak up for their own communities and help make the big decisions for the area – they will also benefit from a unique experience.

As one South Lanarkshire councillor who is standing down after a period in office said: “It was a huge privilege to represent my local area and I loved my role. I campaigned on a range of issues and I worked hard to be a champion for the whole community.

"I was fortunate to meet so many incredible people and organisations during my time as a councillor and I was truly grateful for the support I had from council officers and staff. 

"I would encourage anyone with an interest in representing their communities and helping people to consider standing as a councillor.”

Candidates are encouraged from all walks of life. South Lanarkshire has a proud record of councillors who come from a wide range of backgrounds, and diversity is encouraged and supported.

COSLA recently ran a campaign - Why You? - to encourage people to consider standing for election and highlighting some of the successes of COSLA’s Barriers to Elected Office Special Interest Group.  The campaign also features the personal experiences of councillors who have been elected as well as useful information to help you stand.

Further information on standing as a councillor, including the date for the online candidates' and election agents' session, is available the How to become a councillor page on our website.