In a recent wave of local elections across England, an unexpected phenomenon has emerged: the rise of ‘paper candidates’—individuals who initially entered the race without serious expectations of victory. This new trend poses both opportunities and challenges for local governance, as some newly elected councillors embrace their roles, while others have resigned shortly after their victories. Emma Richardson investigates this evolving landscape in British politics.
The Unexpected Winners
Tyrone Scott, a 34-year-old member of the Green Party, experienced a shock victory in Hackney last month. Initially selected as a ‘paper candidate’—a designation typically given to those put forward to ensure party representation at the polls—Scott did not anticipate winning the seat. Upon learning of his election, he described the experience as a mix of anxiety and excitement, stating, “I always considered myself a cardboard candidate, not expecting to win, but always prepared to do the job if I did.”
Scott’s journey into politics is rooted in a long-standing commitment to the Green Party, where he has been active for over a decade. Despite previously stepping back to focus on his career, his election has reignited his passion for local governance. He has since taken on key responsibilities, including leading the Green group and chairing Hackney’s housing scrutiny commission.
Similarly, Caroline Allen, a veterinarian and former chief vet for the RSPCA, found herself elected in Finsbury Park under comparable circumstances. She had only recently returned to political life, filling a role with low expectations of success. “I was told that it was one of the ones where we were less likely to get elected,” she remarked, reflecting on the surprise of winning a position she thought would be a mere formality.
A Mixed Bag of Outcomes
While the elections marked a significant victory for parties like the Greens and Reform UK—who saw unprecedented increases in their councillor counts—this surge has been accompanied by troubling turnover rates. Since the elections, more than 20 councillors from these parties have resigned, raising questions about the vetting process for candidates. Reform UK lost 15 councillors, while the Greens saw the departure of eight from their ranks of 587.
Political analysts are now scrutinising the implications of this trend. Mark Pack, a Liberal Democrat peer and expert in political polling, emphasised the importance of thorough vetting. “We shouldn’t view the growth in candidates as an excuse for poor vetting,” he warned, suggesting that recent issues may stem from a lack of proper assessment of candidates’ capabilities.
The Impact of Increased Candidate Numbers
The surge in candidates is indicative of a broader shift in public engagement with politics. According to Dr Hannah Bunting, co-director of the University of Exeter Elections Centre, the rise in participation reflects a growing appetite among the electorate for diverse political representation. However, she cautioned against the pitfalls of hastily fielding candidates without adequate preparation. “If you continue to not deliver the person that people have voted for, then that is detrimental,” she stated.
Both the Greens and Reform UK have significantly increased their candidate participation—Reform contested 95% of available seats, while the Greens contested 88%. This is a remarkable leap from previous years, where these parties were less represented. The challenge now lies in ensuring that this growth in numbers translates into effective governance.
Navigating New Challenges
Scott acknowledged the difficulties that come with rapid expansion. “To have this level of growth is something that’s new to us, and with that comes challenges and learning experiences,” he said, adding that most of the ‘paper candidates’ were indeed ready to take on their responsibilities despite the unexpected nature of their victories.
In response to these challenges, the Green Party has indicated their commitment to strengthening candidate vetting processes, particularly as their membership has surged to 230,000. A party spokesperson stated, “We are investing further in our due diligence processes.”
Why it Matters
The emergence of ‘paper candidates’ in local elections reflects a significant shift in the political landscape, challenging traditional party structures and expectations. As parties like the Greens and Reform UK gain traction, the effectiveness of their governance will depend on their ability to manage this rapid growth and ensure that elected officials are equipped to fulfil their roles. This dynamic not only influences local governance but may also reshape the future of political engagement across the UK, as voters increasingly demand representation that reflects their diverse perspectives and aspirations.
