Chorley Borough Council has 42 councillors (‘Members’). They each represent a Ward and have been elected by voters living in that Ward.
Only registered voters of the Borough; those living or working there during the 12 months prior to an election; and those who have a qualifying land interest within the district (e.g. as owner or tenant) are eligible to stand as a councillor. They must be a citizen of the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland or the Commonwealth, or a relevant citizen of the European Union and be at least 18 years old.
Three in every four years a Council election will take place. Every fourth year after that there will be no ordinary election. At each ordinary election one third (or as near as possible) of the seats on the Council are available to be filled.
A Member who is elected at an ordinary election holds office for four years starting on the fourth day after their election and finishing on the fourth day after the next regular election. If a Member dies, retires or is disqualified then a by-election may be held. A Member elected at a by-election holds office until the date when the councillor who they have replaced would normally have retired.
Members are democratically accountable to residents in their Ward. Members have a duty to their constituents including those who did not vote for them, or indeed did not vote at all, but their overriding duty is to the whole community of Chorley.