Combined Guidance for Returning Officers at Local Government and Police and Crime Commissioner Elections in England

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Challenging the results on the grounds of disqualification

Any person may apply to the High Court for a declaration that a local government councillor or a Police and Crime Commissioner (or in the relevant areas, a Police Fire and Crime Commissioner) is, or at any time since being elected has been, disqualified from being a local government councillor or a Police and Crime Commissioner (or in the relevant areas, a Police Fire and Crime Commissioner) (as appropriate).

Any person may apply to the High Court for a declaration that a local authority mayor or combined authority or combined county authority mayor is, or at any time since being elected has been, disqualified from being a mayor.1

Any person considering applying for a judicial declaration of disqualification should seek their own legal advice.

Last updated: 8 August 2025