Stand as a non-target local election candidate

Having broken records for the number of Green candidates standing at the 2024 local elections, we are determined to do even better at future elections - every year we need thousands of Green members and supporters willing to put their name forward. We need you!

Could you stand?

Standing in a council election as a non-target candidate is very easy - as a non-target candidate you aren't campaigning to win, but instead standing to make sure voters in your area can vote Green.

As long as you live or work anywhere within the council area, most people will be eligible. There's no cost to standing, and as a non-target candidate, no campaigning work is expected - campaigning for candidates is reserved for our target wards.

We know that certain groups of people are under-represented in politics, particularly women, people of colour, those under 30, disabled people and other groups. Standing as a non-target candidate is a great way to get started and learn more about what is involved in winning elections.

"As a woman and carer of children under 18, I've enjoyed being able to stand as a non-target candidate, to feel part of the campaign and that I'm contributing something meaningful without having had to commit lots of time to it. Even knowing I won't be elected, I'm still excited to see how I do, and how that compares to our target seats - and would definitely be more inclined to run as a target candidate next time around."
Sarah Santos, East Herts

Why stand as a Non-Target Candidate?

• It really is one of most useful things anyone can do for the Green Party
• It's very easy and quick to do! You don't need to do any campaigning
• There's no risk of being elected unexpectedly (unless you run a strong target campaign for a considerable period of time... which you won't do by accident!)
• You give voters in your area the opportunity to vote Green - let's not leave voters stuck to choose the least-worst option
• It will help increase the Green party’s credibility (nationally and locally)
• The more candidates, the more media coverage the Green Party is entitled to on national and regional media
• People are more likely to join, donate to, and vote for parties that look credible and strong

When are the next local elections in my area?

There is quite a lot of variation in when councils hold elections, so if in doubt ask the local party in your area. Generally speaking, in 2025 there will be a lot of county council elections in England.

However, by-elections are called all over England and Wales all year-round, so if you're interested in being a potential candidate please do let us know!

What's involved?

If selected by your local party, the minimum is simply to sign some forms before and after the election, and get two nomination signatures (or none at all if you live in Wales!).

If you want to help the party more, that's great - your level of commitment and activity would be decided in agreement with the local party, in line with their election plans.

To express interest, please complete this form. We will share expressions of interest made via this form with local parties, in order that they can contact you when they are working towards standing a full slate of candidates next time.