2.1 Composition and eligibility
(a) Composition. The Council will comprise 39 members, otherwise called councillors. One or more councillors will be elected by the voters of each ward in accordance with a scheme drawn up by the Boundary Commission for England and approved by the Secretary of State.
(b) Eligibility. Only registered voters of Spelthorne or those living or working here will be eligible to hold the office of councillor.
2.2 Election and terms of councillors
The regular election of councillors will be held on the first Thursday in May every four years. The term of office of councillors will start on the fourth day after they are elected and will finish on the fourth day after the date of the next regular election.
2.3 Roles and functions of all councillors
(a) Key roles. All councillors will:
(i) participate constructively and effectively in the good governance of the Borough;
(ii) contribute actively to the formation, development and review of the Council’s policies, priorities, plans, strategies, budget and service delivery;
(iii) ensure the Council in all its activities is aware of and takes into account the differing needs and views of all sections of the community in Spelthorne;
(iv) participate actively in supporting the interests of the community and improving the quality of life in the Borough;
(v) represent the interests of their ward effectively;
(vi) raise awareness of the Council and its activities within the community and particularly in their wards;
(vii) participate effectively and actively when a member of any committee, sub-committee or working group;
(viii) participate in appropriate training, development and learning opportunities to carry out their role;
(ix) participate constructively and effectively in civic duties, whether they are Council or ward events, as and when required or by invitation of the Mayor.
(b) Rights and duties
(i) Councillors will have such rights of access to such documents, information, land and buildings of the Council as are necessary for the proper discharge of their functions and in accordance with the law.
(ii) Councillors will not make public information which is confidential or exempt without the consent of the Council, or divulge information given in confidence to anyone other than to those councillors and/or members of staff entitled to know it.
(iii) For these purposes, "confidential" and "exempt" information are defined in the Access to Information Rules set out in Part 4 of this Constitution.
2.4 Conduct
Councillors will at all times observe the Members’ Code of Conduct and the Protocol on councillor/staff relations set out in Part 5 of this Constitution.
2.5 Allowances
Councillors will be entitled to receive allowances in accordance with the Members’ Allowances Scheme set out in Part 6 of this Constitution.