As a recently elected Borough Councillor Andrew Bearne (Wolston and the Lawfords) penned these thoughts about his experience leading up to being elected for the first time in May, 2018.

"Have you ever given thought to becoming a Councillor? Well, the good news is there are no fixed formal qualifications you must have to stand. Councillors' of all ages, young and slightly older, get elected possessing a variety of life and work experiences. As a first time Councillor i have recently gone through the whole process, from expressing initial interest to being elected - so i speak from personal experience.

Yes, of course you will go through a candidate Approval and Selection process, but i firmly believe the qualification that most makes a good Councillor is possessing a close empathy with a Ward's residents, and their concerns. An ability to listen, understand and act are a big part of a Councillor's duties.

Helping people with their issues generates a real sense of fulfilment, and a satisfaction in the fact that you could make a positive difference to someone else's life.

Interested? Then if you wanted to know more before you put your name forward, make contact with me and we could talk through the whole process. It's still all very fresh in my mind"

Photo: Councillor Andrew Bearne

Tel: 07989 652180  Email: andrew.bearne@rugby.gov.uk