Published on Friday 20 February 2026
Anyone eligible to stand for election wanting to find out more about becoming a candidate for the upcoming town council elections in the Bournemouth, Broadstone and Poole areas, is invited to attend one of our information sessions
The new town councils could provide and maintain amenities like parks, playgrounds, and community centres and improve services like street cleaning, lighting and local events in the local communities of Bournemouth, Broadstone and Poole.
Anyone thinking of standing can attend, including existing councillors, Town or Parish Clerks, and those thinking about standing for the first time.
Information sessions will be held for anyone interested in standing as a candidate and will take place in the Bournemouth, Broadstone and Poole areas. People can attend any session as they will all follow the same format:
- Eligibility for standing for election
- Completing nomination papers and booking an appointment
- Campaigning and spending
- Key election dates
Matt Pitcher, Head of Electoral Services at BCP Council said:
“These briefing sessions offer prospective candidates a valuable opportunity to understand the key requirements of the election process. They will cover eligibility criteria, the correct completion of nomination papers, and guidance on campaigning and election spending.
“Attendees will also have the chance to ask questions and seek clarification. The sessions are designed to ensure all prospective candidates are well informed and fully prepared for the forthcoming elections.”
There will be three briefing sessions:
- Poole: Thursday 26 February 2026 at 5:30pm – The Guildhall, Market Street, Poole BH15 1NF.
- Broadstone: Monday 2 March at 6:00pm – Broadstone Methodist Church, Lower Blandford Road, Broadstone BH18 8DP.
- Bournemouth: Thursday 5 March at 6:00pm – HMS Pheobe, BCP Council Civic Centre, Bourne Avenue, Bournemouth BH2 6DY.
People can book a place online via links on bcpcouncil.gov.uk/candidate-2026. If you are unable to attend a session in person, you can join the virtual MS Teams session on Thursday 5 March at 6pm.