The Fund will be open to applications when there is a general election or a by-election.
Applications for the 2026 General Election
The Fund is currently closed. It will reopen for applications before the 2026 General Election or if there is a by-election.
If you are seeking selection to be a candidate for a registered political party:
- you can apply to the Fund
- you can apply for costs relating to what you need to do to seek party selection as a list and/or electorate candidate.
Selection funding is available until the deadline for the nomination of candidates which is known as nomination day.
If you are seeking election as a candidate for a political party or standing as an independent candidate:
- you can apply for campaign costs relating to being a candidate and seeking election to parliament
- you can do this at the same time as applying for selection costs or discuss this with us after you have publicly announced that you are standing
- it does not matter if the party has not formally selected you as a candidate yet
- it does not matter if your party is registered with the Electoral Commission or not.