Stand for the City of London Corporation

If you are passionate about the City, we need you.

Common Councillors and Aldermen make a huge difference to the lives of City workers and residents. Serving as an elected member can be an incredibly fulfilling way to give back to the Square Mile and help ensure its future success.

Ready to change the face of the City?

If you care about the City - and want to step into a leadership role to represent its workers, residents and interests - you should consider standing for election to the City of London Corporation. We need people from all professions and backgrounds, who reflect the City we serve, to put themselves forward for election.

There are two kinds of elected officials in the City of London Corporation, 100 Common Councillors and 25 Aldermen. Together, they form the Common Council, which is the City of London Corporation's main-decision making body.

Both can then join committees that oversee an incredibly diverse range of areas in the City and beyond - from finance and planning to cultural centres like the Barbican and Hampstead Heath. Becoming an elected member of the City of London Corporation can be a great way to gain board-level experience and pursue interests across a wide range of sectors.

While these are unpaid positions, the Court of Common Council has introduced a new scheme to recompense Members for the duties they undertake on behalf of the City Corporation. Claims under this scheme are voluntary and capped at £7,500 per annum. More detailed information can be found online in the Members' Financial Support Policy.

The next all-out elections for Common Councillor will be held in March 2025. Elections for Aldermen and any Common Councillor by-elections can occur at any time. Register your interest in standing to be kept informed of upcoming vacancies and any events that may be of interest to candidates.

What is a Common Councillor?

There are 100 Common Councillors who are elected to represent the City’s twenty-five wards for four-year terms. The next all out election will take place in March 2025.

Councillors sit on the Court of Common Council, which is responsible for the overall policies and resources of the City Corporation, and sets its multi-year strategy and plans. They are also appointed to the boards of a range of charities, as well as the governing bodies of the City’s academy schools in neighbouring boroughs.

Common Councillors come from a range of backgrounds and bring a diversity of experience but all of them share a commitment to making sure the Square Mile remains one of the best places to live, work, and visit in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

+ Who is eligible to stand as an Alderman?

+ Who is eligible to stand as a Common Councillor?

+ How do I become a candidate?

+ Do I need to represent a political party?

+ How can I obtain the Freedom of the City?

+ How do I obtain the nomination papers?

+ Are all nominations accepted?

+ Do I need to pay a deposit?

+ What is an election agent and do I need to appoint one?

+ When will I know who I am standing against?

+ Are there any limits on campaign expenses?

+ Will my expenses be reimbursed?

+ Are there any rules around campaign literature?

+ Are there any debates or hustings between the candidates

+ Will there always be a poll?

+ How do I know who my electors are and how can I communicate with them?

+ When and where are the votes counted and the results announced?

+ What happens if I am elected?

+ How will I know what is expected of me if I am elected?

Book a call

Do you have questions about becoming a candidate? You can book a call with to llearn more about the process.

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