Guidance for Candidates and Agents at Combined Authority Mayoral elections

Your election agent may appoint sub-agents to act on their behalf.1  Election agents may appoint sub-agents for particular parts of the combined authority area, as long as those parts do not overlap. The agent can determine the parts into which they wish to sub-divide the combined authority area.

A sub-agent can do anything that the election agent is entitled to do within the area to which they are appointed.

However, they may only attend proceedings taking place in the area to which they have been appointed if they are acting in place of the election agent. While the election agent is present, they may not attend.

The election agent should ensure that any sub-agent is aware of the election and spending rules, as anything done by a sub-agent will be treated as if it had been done by the election agent. For further information see our guidance on election spending.

The election agent must notify the CARO in writing of the name and address of any sub-agent and the area in which they may act by 5 working days before the day of the poll.2 The CARO will provide a form you can use. Alternatively, you can use the form included in the Commission’s set of nomination papers. 


For candidates at combined authority mayoral elections without police [fire] and crime functions:

For candidates at combined authority mayoral elections with police [fire] and crime functions:

The election agent can revoke the appointment of a sub-agent at any time and appoint someone else in their place. If another sub-agent is appointed, the election agent must declare in writing the name, address, office address and area of appointment of the new sub-agent to the CARO.

The office of the sub-agent must be in the area within which they are appointed to act.3

Once a sub-agent has accepted their appointment, they cannot resign and must fulfil the duties required of them unless the election agent revokes their appointment.