Why isn't my party standing here?

Parties do not stand everywhere. This page explains how nominations work and how to find out whether a party stands nearby. It does not give reasons for any party's choices; we don't know them.

How a name gets on the ballot

Anyone eligible can stand for a council seat with a small number of local nominations (ten for most English councils) and no deposit; for Parliament, a £500 deposit and ten nominations. A party's candidate also needs a certificate from the party's nominating officer. Nominations close about a month before polling day; after that the list is fixed and published as the Statement of Persons Nominated, which every ballot page here links to.

Why a party might not appear

Parties choose where to stand. Reasons vary and are usually not published: local organisation, money, a decision to concentrate on other areas, an agreement with another party, or simply nobody willing to stand. We list what is on the ballot and do not speculate.

How to find out whether your party stands nearby

• Check the neighbouring wards on the elections map.
• The party's own site usually lists its candidates; each candidate row here links to the party site where one exists.
• WhoCanIVoteFor (Democracy Club) shows every candidate for any postcode.

What you can do if nobody you'd choose is standing

You can still vote for the candidate you least object to, or spoil your ballot deliberately (spoilt ballots are counted and reported), or stand yourself next time. Each is a legitimate choice; none is recommended here.