All political groups say it is increasingly difficult to get people, even existing members and supporters, to stand as local council candidates. Willing candidates of working age are especially hard to find.

Being a councillor is not only a crucial role but also an exciting one. Not many people realise this. The work of the Leadership Centre will redress this oversight. There are already some very successful public campaigns to encourage people to take on civic roles, such as becoming magistrates or joining the Territorial Army – so we know it can be done.

The Attracting local talent programme will work with local party groups and councils to promote and profile the role of councillor in their area.

This project involves research on current methods of recruitment and selection, the scope for local discretion and current ways of identifying potential councillors from existing members and supporters.

It is intended to include a high profile targeted local media campaign to promote the role of councillor with an outline of the opportunities and obligations of the role.

There is a need for a clearer definition of the councillor role and an understanding of the time non-executive councillors need to commit once elected.

The project intends to create a set of advice and guidance for all political groups on widening their local recruitment and selection techniques.

A local ‘executive search’ with each political group will identify people who may be willing to become candidates.

Selections will remain the prerogative of local parties but this project should widen the range of people who make themselves available.