Leeds City Council elections are being held on Thursday 7 May 2026.
To stand as a candidate, you must be nominated.
Becoming a nominated candidate
To be nominated, you must:
- check that you meet the nomination criteria
- complete and submit your nomination papers
Nomination criteria
Candidates 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
Candidates 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.
Find out if you are disqualified from standing as a candidate.
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.
Completing your nomination papers
Download the nomination pack from the Electoral Commission website.
To avoid unnecessary delays, you should read the accompanying notes on the forms carefully before completion. The nomination papers are a legal document and information entered can be challenged in a court of law.
Assistance with completing nomination papers
A pre-checking service will be available from Monday 16 March. Nomination papers should be scanned and emailed to electioncandidates@leeds.gov.uk.
For further guidance on completing your nomination papers, you can attend an online briefing session:
- Wednesday 25 February, midday to 1pm. Join the session
- Tuesday 3 March, 5pm to 6pm. Join the session
There is also a webinar hosted by the Electoral Commission that will take place on Wednesday 4 March from midday to 1pm.
Ahead of May’s local government elections that are taking place in England, the Electoral Commission are hosting a webinar for candidates and agents on Wednesday 4 March, midday to 1pm. It will provide an overview of the key aspects of the guidance. It is an opportunity to gain essential information on the nominations processes, imprint requirements, spending and reporting requirements and candidate security. The session will contain practical hints and tips to support your understanding of your obligations and how to apply the law in practice.
There will also be an opportunity to ask questions throughout the session. To register, complete the online form.
If you have any questions about this event or would like further advice, please contact pef@electoralcommission.org.uk.
Submitting your nomination papers
All nomination papers must be delivered in person to the Returning Officer or a Deputy Returning Officer at Electoral Services, 4th Floor West, Civic Hall, Calverley Street, Leeds, LS1 1UR.
Papers can be delivered between 10am on 4pm on the following dates:
- Tuesday 31 March
- Wednesday 1 April
- Thursday 2 April
- Tuesday 7 April
- Wednesday 8 April
- Thursday 9 April
Book an appointment to deliver your nomination papers.
Standing as a candidate
Once you have been nominated to stand as a candidate, you can attend an online briefing session:
- 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
Key dates for candidates
| Event | Dates and times | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Date the register of electors can be supplied to candidates | Monday 30 March | Please complete the electoral register request form / postal voters list request form and email to electioncandidates@leeds.gov.uk |
| Delivery of poll cards | First issue will be posted out second-class between Friday 27 March and Tuesday 31 March. Second issue will be posted out second-class on Friday 24 April |
First issue will include anyone on the register by Monday 2 March. Second issue will include anyone added to the register after Monday 2 March up to the registration deadline of 5pm on Tuesday 21 April |
| Delivery of postal votes | First issue will be posted out first-class on Monday 20 April. Second issue will be posted out first-class on Friday 24 April | First issue will include applications in place up to and including Tuesday 7 April. Second issue will include applications received between Wednesday 8 April and the deadline of 5pm on Tuesday 21 April |
For more information, view the full statutory timetable for elections due to be held on 7 May 2026.
Security guidance
The government provides a range of resources to help candidates understand and manage potential security risks during an election period. View guidance on GOV.UK.
