Guidance for Candidates and Agents at local government elections in England

Death of a candidate

If the Returning Officer (RO) is notified of a candidate’s death during the election campaign or even on polling day itself (but before the declaration of the result), the poll will be cancelled.1

The RO will in that case order a new election to fill the vacancy. The new polling day will be within 35 working days of the day fixed for the first election. 2

Candidates already validly nominated do not have to be nominated a second time.3

Should a fellow candidate die during the campaign, the RO will provide you with further guidance.

If an already elected candidate dies after the declaration of the result, a by-election would be needed to fill the vacancy.

Information about the death of an agent can be found in our guidance on appointing an election agent.
 

Last updated: 1 December 2023