2026 parish elections - a small crop of farmers
A relatively small crop of parish and town council elections are happening in 2026, with 374 parishes being elected across 31 districts and boroughs. In total 3154 candidates are standing for 3371 seats. 22% of the candidates are standing for a registered political party, with Labour standing the most with 164. Local parties include Poole People (6) and Rainhill Independents (5), there are two candidates for the Animal Welfare Party, and one each for UKIP and the Official Monster Raving Loony Party. As usual, the majority of seats will be uncontested - only 125 of the 544 parish wards up this year will have a ballot on 7th May. 2272 candidates (72% of the total) have already been elected without a vote. There are 629 seats left vacant, most of which will be filled by co-option. 17 wards attracted no nominations at all. There are new town and parish councils in Bournemouth, Poole and Broadstone, covering the whole unparished area of BCP Council. These are contested by a broad range of ...