Kent County Council will be up for election next May and people are being encouraged to stand as a candidate..

At present, the Conservatives dominate the chamber, holding 59 out of 81 seats.

What opposition there is, is split between four other political groups, a residents’ association and two independents.

But given the Tories’ spectacular wipe-out at the general election in July, there is speculation that things might be about to change.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be a member of a political party to stand for election, though having a party to support you certainly helps.

KCC is currently encouraging people who think they could do the job as well as anyone to put themselves forward as candidates.

There will be an event at Sessions House in Maidstone this Friday, October 25, for those interested.

The only qualification necessary is to be aged over 18.

The event will take the form of a question and answer session, with both officers and current councillors on hand to explain how the system works.

The event runs between 11am and 1pm.

A KCC spokesperson said: “Being a councillor is flexible so you can work it around your life.

“It provides a platform to champion the views of people in your local community and helps shape policies that affect all areas of our daily lives.

“It comes with an allowance, and a supportive team on hand to ensure you get back as much as you put in.”

The event will be recorded and available to watch back if you cannot make it in person on the day.

For more information or to register for the session, visit Be a councillor - Kent County Council

The leader of the council, Cllr Roger Gough, will be present at the event. He said: “I decided to stand for the county council quite soon after my family moved to Kent, more than 20 years ago.

“I was a little uncertain as to what I would find, but it has been enormously rewarding and a central part of my life.”