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Tuesday 4 November 2008

Wondering who else wants to be a Councillor?

Just read a report from the IDeA about a survey they did of the candidates that stood for election in May 2008. Don't know who they asked...but they didn't ask me (boohoo.)

Survey is here: http://www.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=8962753

Anyway, some usual predictable statistics - eg most Councillors are over 60 and male.

But it was interesting that around 30% of candidates were in full time employment. I'm self employed (of which there are 15% of us, apparently) - and I have found quickly that it would be difficult to do the job well if I had to keep regular hours.

The truth is that being a Councillor means a lot of commitment during working hours, and this is something that most people just can't do if they've got a full time job. It's a shame, because it shouldn't be that way - but it is.

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