As you will now know which candidates are standing in your area, it is important to revisit your project plan and risk register. You should check whether they are still suitable or if any amendments are needed to ensure that processes run smoothly, safely and efficiently.
Factors to consider could include the number of candidates standing, the level of experience that the candidates and the political parties represented have of standing for election and their knowledge of electoral processes, as well as any local risks or issues that could require specific management by local ROs at the polling stations or the count.
Where you have made arrangements to do so, you should also forward the email and phone contact details of candidates standing in the election to the force elected-official adviser (FEOA). You should ensure that candidates are aware of how their information will be used and provide them with the opportunity to opt out if necessary. For more information, see our guidance for Returning Officers at local elections on working with your local police force.
Nomination as combined authority mayor and as a councillor for a constituent council
A person cannot sit as both a combined authority mayor and a local councillor of a constituent council. If they are already an elected councillor and are subsequently elected as mayor, their office as councillor will become vacant.2
Nomination as combined county authority mayor and as a councillor for a constituent council
A person cannot sit as both a combined county authority mayor and a local councillor of a constituent council. If they are already an elected councillor and are subsequently elected as mayor, their office as councillor will become vacant.3
Uncontested elections
The election is uncontested if either:
only one valid nomination is received
all valid nominations are properly withdrawn by the deadline except one
If the election is uncontested, you must, as soon as practicable, declare the remaining validly nominated candidate elected.3
You must give public notice of the name and should include the description (if any) of the elected candidate.4
You must inform the Proper Officer of the combined authority of the result of the election, and you should take steps to ensure that each local RO publishes the result in their constituent council area.5