Leeds City Council Election Candidates Announced

Overview of the upcoming local elections in Leeds

The list of candidates standing for election to Leeds City Council on Thursday 7 May 2026 has been published. The election will see 36 council seats contested across the city, with voting taking place on the day and results declared on Friday 8 May.

Seats and wards involved

One councillor will be elected in each of the 33 wards across Leeds. In addition, there are extra vacancies in three wards — Adel and Wharfedale, Morley North, and Temple Newsam — where two councillors will be elected in each. This means a total of 36 seats will be up for election.

The full list of candidates standing in each ward can be viewed on the Leeds City Council website.

Voter identification requirements

Voters attending polling stations in person on election day must present a valid form of photo identification. This requirement is particularly important for residents who previously had postal votes but did not reapply before the January deadline and now intend to vote in person.

Accepted forms of voter ID and information on how to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate can be found on the council’s website. Community hubs and libraries across Leeds will assist voters with the application process, including taking photographs if needed.

The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate is 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026.

Voter registration and voting methods

• Registration: Anyone not yet registered to vote must do so by midnight on Monday 20 April 2026. This includes individuals who have recently moved address. Registration can be completed online.
• Postal voting: Applications for postal votes must be submitted by 5pm on Tuesday 21 April 2026. This applies to new postal vote applications and changes to existing postal voting arrangements.
• Proxy voting: Voters may appoint someone else to vote on their behalf. Applications for proxy voting must be made by 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026.

Polling cards and postal voting

Poll cards are being sent to all registered voters in Leeds. Residents are advised to check their cards carefully for accuracy and note any changes to their polling station location.

Postal voters will receive their poll cards followed by postal ballot packs from around 21 April. Voters using postal ballots are encouraged to return their completed votes promptly to assist with efficient processing.

Additional information and support

Polling station staff will verify voter identity on election day and may ask voters to remove face coverings for this purpose. Privacy booths will be available, and voters can request a male or female official to carry out the identity check.

For any queries or assistance, voters can contact the Leeds elections team by phone at 0113 222 4411 or via email at electors@leeds.gov.uk.

Key dates ahead of the election

• Midnight, Monday 20 April: Deadline to register to vote
• Tuesday 21 April: Postal vote packs begin delivery
• 5pm, Tuesday 21 April: Deadline for postal vote applications or changes
• 5pm, Tuesday 28 April: Deadline for Voter Authority Certificate applications
• 5pm, Tuesday 28 April: Deadline for proxy vote applications
• Thursday 7 May (7am–10pm): Polling day
• From 10am, Friday 8 May: Counting and declaration of results

Further details on candidates, voter ID requirements, and voting arrangements can be found on the official Leeds City Council elections webpage at leeds.gov.uk/elections/leeds-city-council-elections.