Jon Dean, an associate professor of politics and sociology at Sheffield Hallam University, said that the raft of resignations so soon after local elections could be caused by the shifting political landscape, when candidates standing for parties seen as having little chance of success suddenly found themselves in office.
He added: “A lot of the time, people put themselves forward thinking they are going to be a name on the ballot paper rather than ever really expecting to win.
“But as Labour and the Tories have suffered so much electorally recently, it means lots of councillors from smaller parties have won unexpectedly and suddenly find themselves taking on something they weren’t quite prepared for.”
This happened in West Yorkshire soon after the polls, when Kirklees Council leader Sarah Wood admitted she did not understand local government rules or the constitution during a meeting.
Councils and the Local Government Association do offer training for newly elected members, but it focuses more on the mechanics of the role rather than emotional support.
Prof Dean said: “I think smaller parties struggle with making sure that they get the right people, that they are ready for public service and understand the level of work that might be involved.
“The bigger parties are much more experienced in guiding people through that process. If a party doesn’t have a process for managing things, and people are left to it, that can lead to a mental health crisis.”
Many councillors also hold full- or part-time jobs alongside their role, claiming an annual allowance that can range from £17,000 in Sheffield to just £12,237 in Barnsley.
Prof Dean added: “You’re a councillor alongside your job and it can come to dominate your life quite significantly.
“You’re suddenly in a position where people are looking to you for help on all manner of things and you feel responsible.
“If you are already struggling with mental health problems and then suddenly you’re hearing lots of people’s really upsetting stories, that can be horrible to deal with.”
