The duly elected candidate whose election is questioned by the petition will be the respondent to the petition. If the petition relates to the conduct of the election, you may also be a respondent to the petition as (Acting) Returning Officer.
Deadlines and locations for bringing petitions
In England and Wales, the appropriate court for dealing with petitions is the High Court. In Scotland, it is the Court of Session.
A petition at a UK Parliamentary election must normally be presented within 21 calendar days after the date of the return of the writ to the Clerk of the Crown (which in most cases will be the day after the election).3
Any person who is considering presenting an election petition should be advised to take their own legal advice. For any questions in England and Wales relating to election petitions and the process for submitting petitions, including to confirm the deadlines, you should contact the Elections Petitions Office:
The Election Petitions Office Room E105 Royal Courts of Justice Strand London WC2A 2LL