Guidance and resources that you need if you are a candidate or agent at a local government election in England

The UK government has made legislation to reduce the number of subscribers that are required by each candidate for elections taking place on 6 May 2021. We have updated the guidance and resources on this page accordingly. 

We have issued supplementary guidance to support candidates and agents participating in the May 2021 polls during the coronavirus pandemic:

Supporting candidates and agents - May 2021 polls - England

 

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

Candidate guide overview - local elections in England and Wales

We have produced a timetable with all of the relevant deadlines for the 6 May 2021 local government elections, which can be viewed here:

Election timetable for scheduled local government elections in England

 

Part 1

Can you stand for election?

This part covers:

  • Qualifications for standing for election
  • Disqualifications from standing for election 
Candidate guide - local elections in England and Wales (part 1/6)

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 - local elections in England (part 2a/6)

Part 2b

Standing as a party candidate

This part covers:

  • Completing and submitting your nomination papers
  • Nomination 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 - local elections in England (part 2b/6)

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
  • Polling day dos and don'ts
  • Reporting allegations of electoral malpractice
Candidate guide - local elections in England and Wales (part 4/6)

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 - local elections in England and Wales (part 5/6)

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 - local elections in England and Wales (part 6/6)