Guidance for Candidates and Agents at Greater London Authority elections

When do the candidate spending laws apply?

We call the time when the spending laws apply the ‘regulated period’.

The regulated period

The regulated period begins on the day after the date you officially become a candidate and ends on polling day, 2 May 2024.1

When does a person officially become a candidate?

Candidates standing on a party list for London-wide seats

You officially become a candidate on the date the agent for the party list submits the list to the Greater London Returning Officer. This will be from the date stated on the notice of election until close of nominations, which is 4pm on Wednesday 27 March 2024.2

All other candidates including those for Mayor of London

The earliest date you can officially become a candidate is the last date for publication of the notice of election, which will be Tuesday 19 March 2024.3

You will become a candidate on this date if you or others have already announced your intention to stand.4  For example, your party may have issued a press release when you were selected, or you might have mentioned your intention at a residents’ meeting.

If your intention to stand has not been announced by 19 March 2024, you will officially become a candidate on the earlier of:

  • the date your intention to stand is announced
  • the date when you submit your nomination papers5

This must be prior to the close of nominations, which is 4pm on Wednesday 27 March 2024.6

Last updated: 1 February 2024