Parish Council Elections
31 parish councils have scheduled elections in May 2026.
Our first online briefing for Parish Clerks with scheduled elections, and anyone interested in standing as a parish candidate, was held on Thursday 29 January. If you are considering standing as a parish candidate and would like a copy of the presentation slides and/or the recording, please email the Democratic and Elections team.
Further information on the role of parish councillors is available from the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) website.
The Electoral Commission have a range of support materials available for prospective candiates, that include:
- Detailed guidance for candidates at parish elections
- Advice and guidance regarding the rules for imprints on election material
- A YouTube video that highlights key points when completing a nomination paper
- They will also be running a webinar via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday 4 March, 1pm to 2pm. The webinar will provide an overview of the key aspects of the guidance. It is an opportunity to gain essential information on the nominations processes, imprint requirements, spending and reporting requirements and candidate security. The session will contain practical hints and tips to support your understanding of your obligations and how to apply the law in practice. If you would like to attend this session, please complete the Electoral Commission's event registration form
The Association of Electoral Administrators have produced a short, free to use online course that gives detailed guidance on completing a Parish nomination paper. You don't have to create an account to complete the course, you have an option to continue anonymously.
The Cabinet Office have updated their collection of Candidate Security Guidance. All prospective candidates are encouraged to read through the information.
The parishes with scheduled elections, and the number of seats they have, are as follows:
| Parish Council | Number of seats |
|---|---|
| Barford St John & St Michael | 7 |
| Bletchingdon | 7 |
| Bloxham | 12 |
| Broughton | 5 |
| Charlton-on-Otmoor | 7 |
| Deddington | 14 |
| Duns Tew | 7 |
| Epwell | 5 |
| Fencott & Murcott | 5 |
| Finmere | 7 |
| Fringford | 7 |
| Hethe | 7 |
| Horley | 7 |
| Hornton | 7 |
| Horton-cum-Studley | 5 |
| Islip | 7 |
| Kirtlington | 7 |
| Merton | 7 |
| Milcombe | 7 |
| North Newington | 5 |
| Shenington with Alkerton | 5 |
| Shipton-on-Cherwell & Thrupp | 6 |
| Shutford | 7 |
| Sibford Ferris | 5 |
| Sibford Gower | 5 |
| Steeple Aston | 7 |
| Stratton Audley | 7 |
| Swalcliffe | 7 |
| Tadmarton | 6 |
| Weston-on-the-Green | 8 |
| Wroxton | 7 |