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Electoral system

If there are only two candidates standing at the election

The combined county authority mayor is elected under the first-past-the-post electoral system, whereby the candidate with the most votes is elected.1  

If there are more than two candidates

The combined county mayor is elected under the supplementary vote system, where voters have a vote for a first and a second choice candidate.2  

For more information on the supplementary vote system see our guidance on counting the votes.

Last updated: 19 June 2026