To stand as a candidate at the elections, you must be nominated.
Leeds City Council elections are being held in Leeds on Thursday 7 May 2026.
Find further information about becoming a candidate at the Electoral Commission website and at GOV.UK.
Becoming a candidate
Qualifications for standing as a candidate
You must:
- not be disqualified from holding office
- be a British or Commonwealth citizen, or a citizen of the Republic of Ireland or the European Union
- be at least 18 years of age
You must also meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Be a registered local government elector within the area.
- Have occupied land or property in the area for the last 12 months.
- Have worked in the area for the last 12 months.
- Have resided in the area for the whole of the last 12 months.
Disqualifications for standing as a candidate
To stand as a candidate, you must not be disqualified.
The full range of disqualifications is complex and if you are in any doubt about whether you are disqualified you must do everything you can to check you are not disqualified before submitting a nomination paper.
The Returning Officer will not be able to confirm whether you are disqualified. You must seek your own legal advice prior to submitting your nomination paper.
View the full list of disqualifications at the Electoral Commission website.
Nominations
Candidate nomination pack
Download a nomination pack from the Electoral Commission website.
To avoid unnecessary delays, you should read the accompanying notes in the nomination pack carefully before completion of the forms.
Your nomination papers
The nomination form is a legal document and information entered can be challenged in a court of law.
Submit your nomination papers
All nomination papers must be delivered in person by appointment to:
- Electoral Services, 4th Floor West, Civic Hall, Calverley Street, Leeds, LS1 1UR
Nomination papers must be hand-delivered to the Returning Officer or a Deputy Returning Officer during the statutory timeframe to do so.
Book an appointment for delivering your nomination papers.
View the statutory timetable for elections due to be held on 7 May 2026.
Attend a pre-nomination online briefing session
You can book to attend a pre-nomination online briefing session on either of the following dates:
- Wednesday 25 February, 12 noon to 1pm. Join the session.
- Tuesday 3 March, 5pm to 6pm. Join the session.
The briefing will provide guidance on completing the nomination paperwork.
Standing as a candidate
Information for candidates who have been validly nominated will appear here as it becomes available.
Attend a post-nomination online briefing session
You can attend a post-nomination online briefing session on either of the following dates:
- Friday 10 April, 2pm to 3.30pm.
- Tuesday 14 April, 5pm to 6.30pm.
Meeting invites will be sent to all nominated candidates and their election agents.
The briefing will cover:
- the elections timetable and key dates
- local arrangements for elections in Leeds
- campaign rules and guidance
- good practice: candidate safety and information
