Guidance for Candidates and Agents at Combined Authority Mayoral elections

The outcome of a combined authority mayoral election can be challenged through an election petition.

Lodging an election petition

Only certain people can lodge an election petition, and only under specific circumstances.

An election petition can be presented by:1

• a person claiming to have been a candidate at the election, or
• at least four electors (not anonymously registered electors) who had a right to vote at the election (although they need not have voted).

The allowable grounds for a petition are that:2

• the successful candidate was disqualified at the time of the election
• the successful candidate was not duly elected
• the election was invalidated by corrupt or illegal practices
• the election was invalided by general corruption or the employment of a corrupt agent

Normally a petition must be presented within 21 calendar days after the date of the poll.3 However, if the petition complains of corrupt or illegal practices involving the payment of money or other reward, or an illegal practice relating to election spending, further time may be allowed.

For any questions relating to election petitions and the process for lodging petitions, including to confirm the deadlines, you should contact:

The Election Petitions Office
Room E105
Royal Courts of Justice
Strand
London
WC2A 2LL

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0207 947 6877
Fax: 0870 324 0024

There are costs attached to an election petition. If you are considering lodging an election petition, we strongly recommend that you take independent legal advice.