Local elections 7 May 2026

Election timetable

The official election timetable is based on statutory deadlines. It includes the following key dates.

Nomination 

To stand for election, you must submit:

• a nomination form
• a home address form
• a consent to nomination form

If standing for a political party, you must also submit:

• a certificate of authorisation
• a request to use a party emblem (optional)

All nomination papers must be delivered by hand to:

The Returning Officer
Southwark Council
160 Tooley Street
SE1 2QH 

by 4pm on Tuesday 7 April 2026.

Informal checks

We will offer informal checks of nomination papers via our online portal before formal submission. This provides the opportunity to correct any errors that could invalidate a nomination. 

Qualifications you need to stand for election

To stand as a candidate, you must be:

• 18 or over
• a British citizen, a qualifying Commonwealth citizen or a qualifying EU citizen

You must also meet at least one of the following conditions:

• registered as an elector in Southwark
• occupying land or premises in Southwark for 12 months
• main place of work in Southwark for 12 months
• lived in Southwark for 12 months

Disqualifications from standing for election

You cannot stand if you:

• are employed by Southwark Council
• hold a politically restricted post
• are subject to a bankruptcy restrictions order
• have been convicted and sentenced to 3 or more months in prison (including suspended sentences) in the last 5 years
• have been disqualified for corrupt or illegal practices

For guidance, visit the Electoral Commission’s Qualifications and disqualifications webpage.

If you are unsure, please seek independent legal advice before submitting nomination papers.

Standing as a member of a political party

If standing for a registered political party:

• you must submit a certificate of authorisation from the party
• you may request to use a party emblem on the ballot paper
• the party must be registered with the Electoral Commission and authorised to field candidates in England

Standing as an independent candidate

Independent candidates:

• do not need party authorisation
• may use the description 'independent' or leave the description blank
• must still meet all nomination and qualification requirements

Candidate spending and return of election expenses

The regulated period for spending begins the day after you officially become a candidate. It ends on polling day (7 May 2026).

The spending limit is £960 + 8p per registered elector in the ward.

Joint candidates must reduce their limit by:

• 25% for 2 candidates
• 33% for 3 or more candidates

You must:

• keep records of all spending and donations
• submit a spending return within 35 calendar days of the result being declared
• submit declarations from both the candidate and election agent

For guidance, visit the Electoral Commission’s candidate spending page.

Postal vote delivery dates

The first issue of postal votes will be sent out shortly after the close of nominations. We will publish the posting dates here once they have been agreed.

Further information

Please email electoral.enquires@southwark.gov.uk for more information.