Residents in Cheltenham are preparing to head to the polls on Thursday 7 May 2026, to elect 21 of the 40 councillors on the Cheltenham Borough Council. Following the close of the formal nomination period, the council has published the full list of candidates competing for seats across all 20 wards.
The list of those standing for election was released on Thursday 9 April 2026 by the Returning Officer, Gareth Edmundson. The upcoming vote follows a period of uncertainty, as the council had requested to postpone the event due to resource concerns. However, the government reversed its initial approval of that delay on 16 February 2026 following legal challenges from Reform UK, confirming that the elections would proceed.
The council is currently dominated by the Liberal Democrats, who hold 36 of the 40 seats. The Green Party holds three seats, and the People Against Bureaucracy group holds one. Those elected in the upcoming vote will serve a shortened two-year term, as the borough council is set to be abolished in April 2028 as part of a wider reorganisation of local government in Gloucestershire.
Across the town, residents can now see the candidates nominated for their local wards.To participate in the election, voters must be registered by Monday 20 April 2026. Those choosing to vote in person at a polling station are reminded that they must bring a valid photo ID. Residents who wish to apply for a postal vote must ensure their applications are received by the council no later than 5pm on Tuesday 21 April 2026.
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