Guidance for Police Area Returning Officers administering a Police and Crime Commissioner election in England and Wales

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. 

A notice of withdrawal must be:

• signed by the candidate
• attested by one witness
• 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. 

If the candidate is not in the UK, a withdrawal will be effective if it is:2  

• 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). 

The details of any candidates who by the close of withdrawals remain nominated must be printed on the ballot papers. If a candidate has not withdrawn by the deadline, their details must go forward to the ballot paper.3  

Return of deposit due to withdrawal

You must return the deposit of any candidate who has withdrawn their candidature.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.4 For more information on returning deposits to validly nominated candidates after an election see our guidance for PAROs on post election activity.