People urged to stand for election to new Somerset council
It's the biggest shake-up in local government in 50 years
As a number of Somerset councils are merged into one, people are being encouraged to stand for office in May's elections. The new council - from next April - will replace the current district and county councils.
It's the biggest local government shake-up in the area for 50 years, as a new unitary council will come into being in April 2023. Elections will take place on the 5th of May this year at county, city, town, and parish council levels. At the county level, 110 councillors will be elected and will serve a five-year term.
People are encouraged to stand if they want to help shape the county going forward. Nominations can be submitted to the appropriate District Council office from 22 March and closes at 4pm on 5 April.
District councils will remain in existence until 31 March 2023. Councillors serving on them will continue in their roles until that date.