Standing as a candidate in the 7 May 2026 Election
Most candidates stand as a member of a political party. You can also stand for election as an independent candidate.
Eligibility
To stand for election as a councillor, you must:
- Be 18 years old or over on the day of your nomination
- Be a British citizen, an EU citizen, or a Commonwealth citizen
- Be registered to vote in and/or have either lived or worked in the Council area for at least one year
More information about the qualification and disqualification requirements is available online. See the Electoral Commission’s guidance
Standing as a member of a political party
If you want to stand as a candidate for a political party, contact that party to discuss their requirements for standing.
Standing as an independent candidate
If you have questions about standing as an independent candidate, the Local Government Association Independent Group may be able to help.
Expressing an interest in standing
To stand for election you must first register your interest. Send this by email or call the relevant East/West Surrey Council below:
Elmbridge Borough Council
- Email: electoral@elmbridge.gov.uk
- Telephone: 01372 474474
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council
- Email: electoralservices@epsom-ewell.gov.uk
- Telephone: 01372 732000
Guildford Borough Council
- Email: electoralservices@guildford.gov.uk
- Telephone: 01483 444115
Mole Valley District Council
- Email: electoral.registration@molevalley.gov.uk
- Telephone: 01306 879198
Runnymede Borough Council
- Email: elec.services@runnymede.gov.uk
- Telephone: 01932 838383
Reigate & Banstead Borough Council
- Email: elreg@reigate-banstead.gov.uk
- Telephone: 01737 276794
Spelthorne Borough Council
- Email: electoral.services@spelthorne.gov.uk
- Telephone: 01784 444218
Surrey Heath Borough Council
- Email: vote@surreyheath.gov.uk
- Telephone: 01276 707165
Tandridge District Council
- Email: customerservices@tandridge.gov.uk
- Telephone: 01883 722000
Woking Borough Council
- Email: elections@woking.gov.uk
- Telephone: 01483 855755
Waverley Borough Council
- Email: electoral.services@waverley.gov.uk
- Telephone: 01483 523116
Nomination process
You must submit a set of valid nomination papers to stand for election. You will need two people: one to propose you (a nomination) and the other to second the nomination. They will have to agree that you will be a suitable candidate and sign a document to confirm this. All these people need to be on the electoral register in the relevant ward.
If you want to stand as a candidate for a political party, you must submit a certificate of authorisation. This will allow you to use the party's name or a registered description on ballot papers. You will also need to submit an emblem request if you wish for the party emblem to appear on ballot papers.
There is online guidance for candidates and agents available from the Electoral Commission. This is relevant for both political party and independent candidates.