Ashford Borough Council has 43 councillors representing 35 wards across the whole of the borough. Elected councillors serve for a four year term. 

The regular election of Councillors is held on the first Thursday in May every four years; the next election will be held in 2011.  The term of office for a councillor starts on the fourth day after they are elected and finishes on the fourth day after the date of the next regular election.

What types of work do councillors get involved with?

• Councillors represent the local community by dealing with residents problems and by feeding back residents' views to the council on a variety of issues.
• Councillors have a role in making decisions which affect the borough by their involvement in policy development or in the management and monitoring of the delivery of council services to residents
• Councillors are appointed to represent the council on external organisations or on local partnerships.

Key roles for all councillors are as follows:

• To take part constructively and effectively in the good governance of the borough

• To contribute actively to the formation, development and review of the council's policies, priorities, plans, strategies, budget and service delivery

• To ensure the council takes into account the differing needs and views of all sections of the community

• To take an active part in supporting the interests of the community and improving the quality of life

• To represent the interests of their ward effectively

• To raise awareness within the community of the council and its activities

• To take part effectively and actively when sitting as a member of any committee, sub committee, working group or task group.

The roles and functions of all councillors are set out in the Council's Constitution.