Without Returning Officers the Party would not be able to carry out open and fair selections, and the more we have the faster we will be able to get a full slate of candidates in place for the next General Election. In short the more we have the better.
Members wanting to become approved candidates must go into the Candidate Selection Process. All live selections will be published on the Lib Dem website on the Selection Adverts section. This is run by a Returning Officer who is appointed by the Regional Candidates Chair. Returning officers are volunteers who can claim travel and other expenses. A 6 hour training course followed by shadowing a full selection with an experienced returning officer is required training.
• ensure fair and equal treatment for all applicants
• ensure that the selection rules are followed by all participants and their supporters
• ensure that all members who are eligible to vote can do so
• resolve applicant conflicts (informally as an arbitrator or by making binding rulings)
• But a Returning Officer is not a police officer!
1. Forming and training the shortlisting committee
2. Agreeing the advert and paperwork for the candidates pack
3. Receiving applications and working with the shortlisting committee to shortlist applicants
4. Oversee the members mailing and campaign
5. Run the hustings meeting, counting the votes and announcing the winning candidate
Returning officers are guided by and supported by the Regional Candidates Chair.
You can read a short role description here. If you think you might be interested in tackling this important role, please contact the Candidates Office on candidates@libdems.org.uk or speak to your Regional Candidates' Chair (contact details in role description).