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When people talk about London and London politics, they more often than not immediately think of the Mayor of London. And over the years we have had some high profile characters such as Ken Livingstone and Boris Johnson.

However the Greater London Authority (GLA) is unique in the UK, in that it is made up of a Mayor and the London Assembly, the body that holds the Mayor and their agencies to account and represents Londoners at City Hall. The next elections will be in May 2028, so London Region is already planning ahead to get our team in place!

Standing as a London Assembly candidate is a role open to London members, not afforded to other regions in England. It is a unique role, which can benefit you, your target ward or constituency, and of course, help us grow the party. There are both constituency and Londonwide list candidates.

These candidate roles are a chance to develop your skills, campaign in new and innovative ways and to ensure the Lib Dems have a strong voice and visible presence across the capital.

Standing for one of the 14 ‘super constituencies’ is a great way to build your profile, manage a local campaign across target wards, establish yourself with local community groups, fundraise in different ways and to develop our membership and supporters. And given every vote counts in the GLA elections, you can work hard in your own patch, focussing in on your target areas.

Every election is a stepping stone, so it is a great election to try out new things, expand your delivery networks and social media, and grow our activists to be able to run strong and winning election campaigns at every level.

Londonwide List candidates work across the capital, supporting Borough campaigning and supporting areas with less well developed infrastructure, inspiring and motivating members and activists and helping to raise the money needed for this important campaign.

As a candidate, you will have support from London Region, including training, to help you in your role, and you will be part of the London team, covering hustings, debates, media and fundraising in the campaign.

As a former Assembly Member, who stood in 5 GLA elections, I can tell you it is a wonderful way to connect with Londoners, to understand local and regional issues, and to develop your own skills, as well as your local teams.

The GLA elections offer a particular opportunity to campaign on issues around transport, housing and crime that have proven strong ground for LibDems, from saving police counters to getting step free access at local stations.

At the next GLA election it will be so important to show a strong Liberal voice in the capital. Representing our different communities and running a distinctive campaign where we stand up for Londoners.

I hope you want to join the team on this exciting journey. To find out more about standing for the GLA, please contact [email protected].

* Baroness Caroline Pidgeon is a Liberal Democrat member of the House of Lords and was London Assembly Member from 2008-2024 and and London Mayoral Candidate 2016.