The LGA supports people from different backgrounds to stand as councillors
June’s Pride celebrations and events – many of them continuing into July and August – commemorate the LGBTQIA+ population, and diversity within our communities.
Pride is also a time to reflect on how our different backgrounds and experiences offer local government a wealth of knowledge to help deliver better public services.
It is important that communities are served by those who are reflective of the needs of the people they represent, and it is our duty to ensure that everyone can freely express and be themselves.
Most issues affecting the public are cross-cutting, which provides an opportunity to collaborate and build stronger relationships with different community groups.
There are several steps we can take to make our local areas more inclusive such as through reviewing our policies and processes to eliminate any structural or unconscious bias.
When we lead by example, we make local government even more attractive to a diverse range of prospective councillors and officers ready to make a difference.
The LGA’s Be a Councillor programme encourages and supports people from different backgrounds to put themselves forward for election as councillors. Find out more on our website or email [email protected] for any queries.
‘Bringing communities together’
Councillor Harry Doyle (Lab) is Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture at Liverpool City Council
It was never my intention to go into politics, it was always just an interest of mine – education has always been my calling.
But as we approached the 2018 local elections, two councillors in the area where I live and now represent stood down, and I had a lot of encouragement from local members including my MP at the time, Stephen Twigg.
It’s funny how unexpected opportunities can just land in your lap!
At first, balancing some supply teaching with representing my area and driving change was quite difficult. It’s hard to say how, but you just learn to manage your time more effectively.
In 2021, I became Lead Member for Culture and Visitor Economy, helping steer Liverpool through a turbulent recovery post-COVID-19.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be spearheading the city’s bid to host Eurovision 2023 on behalf of Ukraine!
For the first time in the contest’s history, we ran a full community and education programme that saw community parties, children learning Ukrainian sign language, and artists going into care homes to sing and dance to some old Eurovision classics.
That’s the power of culture – bringing communities together. Thanks Abba!
Perhaps your journey may not be as sparkly as Eurovison, but then, who knows.
And yet, despite the huge achievements in my leadership role, the thing that most makes my heart fill with happiness is the moment a local resident says thank you. As councillors, we’re there to serve our communities – nothing quite beats getting that right!
‘Shared human values’
Councillor Simon Minas-Bound is Conservative Group Leader at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council
I feel serving as an LGBTQ+ elected councillor and former council leader is both a privilege and a profound responsibility.
Representing my community means constantly advocating for inclusivity and equality, ensuring that every voice, especially those often marginalised, is heard.
Navigating a political landscape that sometimes feels distant and resistant to change requires resilience, dedication and nerves of steel. A good support network also helps!
One of my core beliefs is that no issue should be monopolised by a single political party. LGBTQ+ rights, climate change, healthcare and education are universal concerns that transcend partisan lines.
It’s important to focus on shared human values rather than divisive politics – hearing diverse views about the issues and wanting to understand different potential solutions, even if we don’t like what we hear.
Understanding that people face multiple forms of discrimination and struggle is crucial.
I don’t see being an LGBTQ+ individual as my current biggest defining characteristic or life challenge, but others might. I recognise that my experience is just one thread in a much larger tapestry of societal challenges.
The struggles faced by a queer person of colour, someone with disabilities, or a trans individual are distinct and multifaceted. It’s essential to encourage individuals with these diverse views to stand, get elected and share their ‘street corner’ on life and for us to listen – and I mean listen really hard.
It’s about fighting for justice, not just for the LGBTQ+ community, but for everyone, collectively and one by one.
‘Part of a great team’
Councillor Kevin Guy (Lib Dem) is Leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council
My eyes were first opened to the impact of politics and politicians when I was serving in the Royal Navy.
Seeing the consequences of conflict first-hand made me want to better understand the world and the role of political leadership.
This led me to university and then volunteering in my local MP’s office. Someone suggested I should stand for election as a councillor and here I am, 13 years later.
My favourite thing about being a councillor is solving problems, which I find ridiculously satisfying.
Whether I’m helping one resident with a simple waste collection or getting into the nitty-gritty of a multi-million pound, transformational project, there’s nothing more rewarding.
All councillors know the role can be very full on, especially if you’re juggling responsibilities or facing homophobic comments and general personal abuse online.
Our council recently joined the LGA’s ‘Debate Not Hate’ campaign and councillors from all parties shared moving experiences and concerns in the debate.
My key message to anyone thinking about standing for election is to go for it. Councillors come from all walks of life, and you can make a real difference, but only if you put yourself forward.
Local government and your residents need your voice.
Yes, there is negativity out there but there’s also a lot of support, awareness and love.
For me, it really helps to remember I’m part of a great team and to know I’m making a difference for my residents and for future generations.
‘The importance of representation’
Councillor Ani Stafford-Townsend is a Green Party member of Bristol City Council
My activism began in the 1980s when I discovered the harmful effects of aerosols on the environment. This led me to engage in feminist and social activism.
The 2010 coalition spurred my entry into party politics, and I found a natural home in the Green Party due to its strong stance on climate, social, and racial justice.
Central Ward, where I serve, embodies privilege and deprivation and boasts fantastic diversity. One of the biggest challenges is overcoming lack of trust in politics and winning over hearts and minds to collaborate effectively.
Balancing my roles is tough: I run my own business, have a child, and attend council meetings often scheduled around a typical ‘9 to 5’ routine. I don’t get paid leave, and my disabilities require careful pacing, which is complicated by my ADHD-induced hyperfocus.
As a queer trans person with disabling conditions, I believe in the importance of representation.
I strive to be open and authentic, demonstrating that embracing one’s differences is possible, despite significant challenges. The abuse often directed at those perceived as female in public life can drown out one’s message.
First elected in 2015, I am now in my third term. I cherish being part of my inner-city community and challenging perceptions.
It’s crucial to have interests outside of politics, as it can be consuming and often negative. Finding space for perspective and distance is key to maintaining the strength to persevere.