Future-Proofing Democracy: Attracting and Retaining Councillors in a Changing Landscape

In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, we sit down with Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, to explore one of the most pressing challenges facing local democracy today: how do we attract and retain new councillors—especially during times of local government reorganisation and devolution?As councils across the UK undergo structural changes and new authorities emerge, we ask: why should people still stand for election? What opportunities do these changes present for fresh leadership, innovation, and community impact? Amanda shares her insights on the evolving role of councillors, the barriers to entry, and what needs to change to ensure local government remains representative, resilient, and ready for the future.