Look, we 100% get the fact that not everyone has time to research or dissect political jargon. This page explains political terms in simple terms. This page is work in progress.
Bye-Election
An election that happens unexpectedly outside a term. This could be due to the passing of a councillor or MP, or they decide to step down or are forced to resin.
Councillor
An elected representative who serves on a local council, such as west Northants council. They represent the people living in their ward (a specific area within the town or city) and make decisions on local matters like schools, roads, public services, and housing. Councillors work to improve their community and act as a voice for the residents in local government decisions.
General Election
A country-wide election where people vote for MPs in all constituencies. The party with the most MPs usually forms the government, and it happens every 5 years (unless called earlier).
House of Commons
Lower chamber of Parliament, where elected MPs sit. This is where most debates and decisions on laws take place, and it’s the primary legislative body in the UK.
House of Lords
Upper chamber of the UK Parliament. Its members are not elected, but are appointed or inherit their position. They review and suggest changes to laws passed by the House of Commons.
Local Election
Local elections are held to choose representatives, like councillors, for local councils (e.g., parish, district, or city councils). These elections focus on issues specific to local areas, not national issues.
MP
Someone elected by the people in a certain area (constituency) to represent them in the House of Commons, which is part of the UK Parliament. MPs debate and vote on laws and decisions affecting the whole country.
North Northants
Otherwise, known as North Northamptonshire, is a unitary authority that formed in 2021, covering the northern part of Northamptonshire. It includes towns such as Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough, and Rushden. Like West Northants, it is responsible for local services in its region.
Northamptonshire
Northamptonshire, is otherwise known as Northants in the East Midlands of England. Before 2021, it had a two-tier system of local government, with a county council (Northamptonshire County Council) and several district and borough councils. In 2021, the governance structure changed, and Northamptonshire was split into two unitary authorities: West Northamptonshire and North Northamptonshire. While Northamptonshire remains a geographic term, the two unitary authorities now manage all the local services.
Parish Council
A parish council is the most local level of government in the UK, covering small villages or rural areas. It deals with local matters like parks, community events, and sometimes local planning.
Ward
A local area or district within a town or city, such as Northampton. It is used for electing councillors in local elections. A councillor represents the people living in a ward at the local council.
West Northants
Otherwise, known as West Northamptonshire, is a unitary authority in England, which means it operates as a single local government responsible for all local services. It was created in 2021 and covers the western part of the historic county of Northamptonshire. It includes areas like Northampton, Daventry, and Towcester. This authority manages things like education, roads, and housing for these areas.
Unitary authority
A local government in the UK such as North Northants that is responsible for all local services in a specific area. Unlike areas with a two-tier system (which have separate county councils and district/borough councils managing different services), a unitary authority combines these roles into one.