Selection Criteria for Re-Approval of

Existing Councillors

Section 1: Motivation and experience

Description Sample questions

This section aims to explore why the candidate wishes to stand again for election. It also looks at what they bring to the role in terms of knowledge and past experience.

Why do you want to stand for re-election?

What would you like to achieve in the next 4 years?

What do you bring to the role?

How does your background enhance your application?

Notes Scoring

5 points Candidate expresses very strong motivation for seeking re-election. Outlines clear reasons for decision and displays passion for the role. Candidate applies their professional background to the role in a meaningful way.

4 points

3 points Candidate expresses some motivation for decision to seek re-election, but not in very strong terms. Reasons for decision communicated relatively clearly. Background bears some relation to work as councillor.

2 points

1 point Candidate shows very little motivation for wanting to stand for re-election. Reasons for standing again are not clear. Candidate’s background bears little or no relation to the role.

Section 2: Council record and achievements

Description Sample questions

This section examines the candidate’s record on the council, their key achievements and the difference they have made in the role. It aims to discover what positive impact they have had on both their ward and the borough as a whole. Attendance falls under this category.

What is your most proud achievement?

How has your ward benefited from your tenure?

What is your biggest disappointment?

How has your committee work benefited residents?

Notes Scoring

5 points Candidate has clearly achieved much for both local residents and the borough as a whole. Does not hide behind committee work and owns mistakes and failures as learning points. Excellent attendance record.

4 points

3 points Candidate has had some success as a councillor, but their impact may not have been widely felt. Appears to lack enthusiasm for committee work. Setbacks have not been overcome and have discouraged the candidate.

2 points

1 point It is unclear what the candidate has achieved during their term of office. Attendance may be poor, and little effort is given to explaining how committee work is wider benefit. Numerous setbacks are driving a negative attitude.

Section 3: Elections, campaigning and communication

Description Sample questions

This section looks at the candidate’s effectiveness as a local politician. It examines their approach to campaigning both at and between elections, as well as methods used to communicate with residents

How did you approach your last election?

What do you do to communicate between elections?

How do residents know about your achievements?

How do you use modern communication technology?

Notes Scoring 5 points

Candidate demonstrates strong understanding of campaigning techniques, as well as commitment to inter-election communication. Already uses modern technology to communicate with residents.

4 points

3 points Candidate shows some understanding of campaigning techniques, but inter-election communication is somewhat lacklustre. Shows a reasonably open attitude to the use of technology even if not already using it.

2 points

1 point Candidate does not understand campaigning. Uses phrases such as, ‘I don’t need to canvass’. Cynical attitude to modern technology and little evidence of use of basic tools such as newsletters.

Section 4: Community involvement

Description Sample questions

This section explores how active candidates are in their local communities. Membership of local groups and leadership on local issues is examined, as is the candidate’s ability to make local contacts.

How do you support local voluntary groups?

Who do you turn to for local information and why?

What steps do you take when a new local issue arises?

How do you involve yourself in the life of the borough?

Notes Scoring

5 points Candidate demonstrates clear involvement in their local community, and in the borough as a whole. They are involved with a number of local groups and show evidence of an extensive network of useful local contacts.

4 points

3 points Candidate shows some evidence of involvement with local groups and their local community, thought it may be limited and localised. Some evidence shown of a network of local contacts.

2 points

1 point Candidate has little involvement in their local community and little evidence is demonstrated of how they support local groups. Candidate has little to no appreciation of the value of local contacts.

Section 5: Branch development and Association involvement

Description Sample questions

This section aims to explore what efforts the candidate has made in their capacity as an elected Conservative representative to grow and develop their local branch. They actively participate in the life of Tunbridge Wells Conservative Association.

What have you done to grow your local branch?

How do you involve yourself with TWCA?

What have you done to encourage participation?

What branch events have you helped organise?

Notes Scoring

5 points Candidate has worked hard to grow and develop the branch. They understand the importance of increasing membership and holding regular events. They actively participate in the Association.

4 points

3 points Candidate has made some effort to grow their branch and recruit new members. Some events organised but possibly without much success. Candidate understands role of TWCA and occasionally participates.

2 points

1 point Candidate has done little or nothing to develop their local branch. They do not hold events or communicate with members. The candidate demonstrates a cynical attitude towards TWCA and a lack of understanding of its role.

Overall Score

Section Score

Motivation and experience

Council record and achievements

Elections, campaigning and communication

Community involvement

Branch development and Association involvement

TOTAL