WOULD-BE Powys Councillors have been told to get their nominations ready ahead of May's elections.

Nomination papers can be submitted from March 15 until April 5, with elections taking place – including for Powys County Council – on May 5.

Powys returning officer Dr Caroline Turner said: “The notice of election will be published next week and that will open nominations for the 2022 elections. Anyone interested in standing can submit nomination papers.

“It is important that councillors are like the people who elect them, we need more diverse councillors, we need more women, more young people, more Black Asian and Minority Ethnic people, more disabled people and more LGBTQ+ people to stand.”

All councils have signed diverse council pledges, stating that they are committed to encouraging and supporting diverse people to stand.

The Access to Elected Office Fund Wales has been established to assist disabled people who want to stand for elected officials with the additional impairment related costs that are a barrier to their participation in politics.

The Welsh Government has introduced reforms to make it easier to stand and easier to be a councillor.