Guidance for (Acting) Returning Officers administering a UK Parliamentary election in Great Britain

After the close of nominations

After the close of nominations you must publish a statement of persons nominated and a notice of poll.1  

For details on what these notices should contain and steps you should take when proofing, see our guidance on production of notices.

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  • all valid nominations are properly withdrawn by the deadline except one 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 publish the statement of persons nominated as soon as practicable declaring the one validly nominated candidate elected.2  

You should then return the writ with the details of the successful candidate. No poll is necessary.

Last updated: 19 December 2023