Councillors standing for election

23rd March 2026

With the election for the Scottish Parliament fast approaching, it seems a good time to remind any councillors who are standing for election as an MSP that they must still comply with the Councillors’ Code of Conduct while they remain in post.

Councillors, as elected representatives, are responsible for making strategic decisions and for scrutinising how their local authorities deliver essential services. They are also responsible for undertaking casework on behalf of constituents. Councillors should be mindful of the need to continue to undertake these responsibilities even if they are standing for election in a different role.

The Code requires councillors to behave with courtesy and respect at all times when acting in that capacity. This includes in council meetings, when online, and when communicating with their fellow elected members, council officers and members of the public. There is no reason why councillors cannot express their views, scrutinise effectively and offer constructive challenge, in a respectful and courteous manner.  

We would urge all councillors, including those standing for election, to consider and sign up to the Civility Pledge. Under this, candidates pledge to:

• Use a civil and constructive tone in debate
• Act with integrity, honesty and compassion
• Behave respectfully towards others, including those with whom they disagree

More information on the Civility Pledge can be found here.

The Code also states that councillors must only use council resources (which would include email accounts, officer assistance, facilities, stationery and IT equipment) for carrying out council duties in accordance with their council’s relevant policies. The Code states that councillors must not use council resources imprudently, unlawfully, improperly and, importantly in this context, for any party political or campaigning activities or matters relating to these. This means, of course, that councillors should not use council constituency surgeries or council meetings (that involve council facilities) to campaign, either on behalf of themselves or others, as candidates for the Scottish Parliament.

The Code requires councillors to maintain confidentiality in respect of any confidential information they are provided with in their role as member of their council. They are only allowed to use such confidential information to undertake their duties as a councillor and must not use it, in any way, for personal or party-political advantage or to discredit their council (even if their personal view is that the information should be publicly available).

The public has a right to expect that those they have elected as councillors will fulfil their role to the best of their ability, while maintaining the high standards of conduct required by the Code. A failure to adhere to the Code can result in a sanction and can also adversely affect the reputation of the individual councillor, their council and the role of an elected member.