Fairfield By-Election 2024 Guidance for candidates and agents

Spending limits are set out in part 3 of the guidance. The spending and donation rules apply during the 'regulated period' which begins on the day after the date you officially become a candidate and ends on polling day, 19 September 2024. The earliest date you can officially become a candidate is the last date for publication of the notice of election (14 August 2024).

You will become a candidate on this date if you or others have already announced your intention to stand. For example, your party may have issued a press release when you were selected, or you might have mentioned your intention at a residents' meeting.

If your intention to stand has not been announced by 14 August 2024, you will officially become a candidate on the earlier of:

• the date your intention to stand is announced
• the date when you submit your nomination papers

The spending limit for the regulated period £960, plus 8p per local government elector in the ward registered to vote on the last day for publication of the notice of election. The total is reduced for joint candidature. You are a joint candidate if you stand in the same ward and:

• have the same election agent, or
• use the same campaign rooms, or
• publish joint material

The electorate for the Fairfield Ward will be available on the Council's election page.

All candidates both successful and unsuccessful are required to make a Return of Election Expenses (even a nil return). An election agent will also need to complete a declaration confirming that the return is complete and correct by this date and the candidate must submit a declaration within seven days of the return being submitted.

The deadline for submitting the return is Thursday 24 October 2024.