A party must register a party name with us. It can use this name on ballot papers.
Parties that are applying to be registered in Great Britain and intend to contest elections in Wales may apply with a name in English and a name in Welsh to be the party’s registered names.
Parties that are applying to be registered in Northern Ireland may apply with a name in English and a name in Irish to be the party’s registered names.
We do not regulate how a party wishes to brand itself or which campaign phrases it uses with its name when that message does not appear on ballot papers.
If a party name is not registered with us, candidates will not be able to contest an election using that party’s name on ballot papers.
If your party is not registered with us a candidate can only apply to the Returning Officer to stand as an independent. In this case the candidate can choose to use either:
the word ‘Independent’ (or ‘Annibynnol’ if standing in Wales) appearing next to their name on the ballot paper
no identity mark on the ballot paper.
This is along with any other details required by the relevant election rules.