Most candidates stand as a member of a political party. You can also stand for election as an independent candidate.
Eligibility
Blackburn with Darwen is covered by two parliamentary constituencies: Blackburn, and Rossendale and Darwen.
If you want to stand for election as an MP in the Rossendale and Darwen constituency, you need to contact Rossendale Borough Council's elections team.
If you want to stand for election as an MP in the Blackburn constituency, you must:
- be 18 years old or over on the day of your nomination, and
- be a British citizen, a Republic of Ireland citizen, or an eligible Commonwealth citizen
There is more information about the qualification and disqualification requirements in 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, you need to contact that party to discuss their requirements for standing.
Standing as an independent candidate
If you think you might want to stand as an independent candidate, the Local Government Association Independent Group may be able to help.
Expressing an interest in standing
To stand for election for the Blackburn constituency, you must first register your interest and arrange to collect a nomination pack. Register your interest by email to voting@blackburn.gov.uk or by calling 01254 585920.
Nomination process
To become a candidate, you need to submit a completed set of nomination papers by 4 pm on 7 June 2024. This deadline is set out in law and cannot be changed for any reason.
There are three nomination papers which you must submit for your nomination to be valid:
- the nomination form
- a home address form
- your consent to nomination
The nomination form requires ten registered electors from the constituency where you are standing - known as subscribers. You must have written your name and description (if using one) on the form before you ask subscribers to sign the form. They will have to agree that you will be a suitable candidate and sign a form to confirm this.
If you want to stand as a candidate for a political party, you must submit a certificate of authorisation which authorises you to use the party's name and a registered description on the ballot papers. If you want a party emblem to appear on the ballot papers, you will also need to submit a request for a party emblem.
There is online guidance for candidates and agents available from the Electoral Commission. This is relevant for both political party and independent candidates.