Guidance for the GLRO administering the GLA elections

The impact of the death of a candidate depends on whether or not the candidate was standing on behalf of a registered political party or not.

Independent mayoral candidate 

If an independent mayoral candidate (i.e. a candidate using the description ‘Independent’ or without a description) dies before the declaration of the result, the election continues as normal – unless there are only two persons who are standing as candidates and the death would make the election uncontested. In that case, the poll will be cancelled.

If the deceased independent candidate wins then the GLRO must in these circumstances:1

• declare that the majority or greatest number of votes has been given to the deceased candidate
• declare that no person is returned
• give public notice of the total number of votes given for each candidate together with the number of rejected ballot papers under each head shown in the statement of rejected ballot papers

A new election must be commenced within the period of 35 working days starting from polling day.2

All of the existing candidates will remain nominated for the new election, and forfeiture or return of the deposit is determined by the re-run election result. No new nominations are allowed for the re-run election although candidates may withdraw. The statement of persons nominated must be published as soon as possible after the deadline for withdrawals.

If however proof of the death is given before the result is declared, and only two persons are shown on the statement of persons nominated, the notice of poll must be countermanded if the poll has not begun or the poll must be abandoned if it has begun. The election must be treated as an uncontested election and the remaining candidate is elected.3

In all circumstances, the deposit of the deceased candidate must be returned.4 We have provided further guidance on the  return of deposits.

Mayor of London candidate standing for a party

If you receive proof and are satisfied that a candidate standing in the election for the Mayor of London is standing on behalf of a registered political party or parties, has died before the declaration of the result, the election must be stopped. 

If the poll has not yet commenced, the notice of poll should be countermanded. If the poll is underway or the counting is being undertaken, the poll is abandoned. The election will need to be re-run.5

Where a new election is required after the countermanding or abandonment of a poll due to a candidate’s death, you must select a new day for the poll, and this must fall within 35 working days of the day fixed for the first poll.6

New nominations can be made, but candidates already validly nominated at the original poll do not have to be nominated a second time. Candidates validly nominated prior to the countermanding or abandonment of the poll may not withdraw as their period for withdrawals has expired. 

New mayoral election

In the event that a new election is required where the poll has been countermanded or abandoned due to a candidate’s death, the London regional team will be available to support you in identifying and taking the appropriate actions.