A candidate can withdraw their candidature if they do so before the deadline.1
A withdrawal notice is not prescribed but we do provide a template withdrawal notice for candidates to use.
delivered by hand to the place for the delivery of nomination papers
delivered by 4pm on the nineteenth working day before the poll
There are no restrictions on who can deliver the notice of withdrawal.3
If the candidate is not in the UK, a withdrawal will be effective if it is:
signed by the proposer
accompanied by a written declaration that the candidate is abroad (also signed by the proposer)
delivered to you by 4pm on the nineteenth working day before the poll (i.e. by the deadline for withdrawals)4
If the candidate was nominated by more than one nomination form, each proposer must sign the withdrawal notice and declaration.5
If any of the proposers are outside the UK they do not need to sign the withdrawal notice, but it must include a statement that they are also outside the UK.6
Alternatively, instead of the notice and declaration being signed by all proposers, the withdrawal will be effective if the notice and declaration is accompanied by a written statement signed by the candidate that the proposer giving the notice is authorised to do so on the candidate’s behalf.7
The details of any candidates who by the close of withdrawals remain nominated must be printed on the ballot papers.8
If a candidate has not withdrawn by the deadline, their details must go forward to the ballot paper.
You must return the deposit of any candidate who has withdrawn their candidature. The deposit must be returned to the person who made it and as soon as practicable after the statement of persons nominated has been published.9
For guidance on returning deposits to validly nominated candidates after an election see our guidance on post election activity.