The Electoral Commission offers a range of advice and guidance for anyone who would like to stand for election. Their guides cover the following:
- eligibility for standing
- standing as an independent candidate
- standing as a party candidate
- spending and donations
- the campaign
- your right to attend key electoral events
- what happens after the declaration of result
Becoming a validly nominated candidate
A validly nominated candidate means that your name will appear on a ballot paper. You will need to submit a set of nomination forms, which are available from the Electoral Commission.
Paying a deposit
At a Parliamentary election, you must pay a deposit of £500 to the (Acting) Returning Officer before 4pm on the deadline day for nominations.
At local government elections (city and parish council elections) there is no requirement for a deposit.
Appointing an election agent
You will need to appoint an election agent to manage your campaign and finances. If you do not appoint an agent, you will become your own agent by default.
If you are your own agent and have asked for your home address to be withheld, it would still show on the Notice of Election Agents, as this is required by law.