Combined authority mayoral elections in England

Guidance and resources that you need if you are a candidate or agent at a combined authority mayoral election in England

The UK government has made legislation to reduce the number of subscribers that are required by each candidate for some elections. We have updated the guidance and resources on this page accordingly.

We have issued supplementary guidance to support candidates and agents participating in polls during the coronavirus pandemic:

Supporting candidates and agents - May 2021 polls - England (DOC)

Click here for guidance on local authority mayoral elections in England

An overview document gives instructions on how to use this guidance and who does what at these elections.

Candidate guide overview - Combined authority Mayoral elections in England (PDF)

We have produced a timetable with all of the relevant deadlines for the 6 May 2021 Combined authority mayoral election which can be viewed here:

Election timetable for scheduled local government elections in England

We have also produced a document for people who want to know the basics about elections, the roles of different organisations and where to find more information.

Introduction to elections
Part 2a

Standing as an independent candidate

This part covers:

  • Completing and submitting your nomination papers
  • Being nominated in more than one ward
  • What happens after the close of nominations?
  • Appointing your election agent and other agents
  • What happens if a candidate dies?
Candidate guide - Combined authority Mayoral elections in England (Part 2a/6) (PDF)

Part 2b

Standing as a party candidate

This part covers:

  • Completing and submitting your nomination papers
  • The mayoral address and deposit
  • What happens after the close of nominations
  • Appointing your election agent and other agents
  • What happens if a candidate dies
Candidate guide - Combined authority Mayoral elections in England (Part 2b/6) (PDF)

Part 4

The campaign

This part covers:

  • Campaigning dos and don'ts
  • Using the electoral register and absent voters' lists
  • Using schools and rooms for public meetings
  • Imprints on campaign publicity material
  • The mayoral address
  • Polling day dos and don'ts
  • Reporting allegations of electoral malpractice
Candidate guide - Combined authority Mayoral elections in England (Part 4/6) (PDF)

Part 5

Your right to attend key electoral events

This part covers:

  • Attending the opening of postal votes and what to expect
  • Attending polling stations and what to expect
  • Attending the count and what to expect
Candidate guide - Combined authority Mayoral elections in England (Part 5/6) (PDF)

Part 6

After the declaration of results

This part covers:

  • Making the declaration of acceptance of office
  • Access to election paperwork
  • Submitting your spending returns and declarations
  • Questioning the result through an election petition
Candidate guide - Combined authority Mayoral elections in England (Part 6/6) (PDF)