Representation of the People Act 1983

37 Ordinary day of local elections in England and Wales. U.K.

[F1 (1)] In every year the ordinary day of election of councillors is the same for all local government areas in England and Wales and is—

(a) the first Thursday in May;

(b) such other day as may be fixed by the Secretary of State by order made not later than 1st February in the year preceding [F2 the year (or, in the case of an order affecting more than one year, the first year)] in which the order is to take effect.

[F3 (2) As respects Authority elections, the power conferred by subsection (1)(b) above shall include power to make an order fixing a day other than the first Thursday in May as the day on which the poll is to be held at an ordinary election other than the first.]

[F4 (2A) Subsection (1) is subject to any order under—

(a) section 37A (local government areas in England), or

(b) section 37B (local government areas in Wales).]

[F5 (3)] The power to make an order under this section is exercisable by statutory instrument.

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 37 renumbered as s. 37(1) (14.12.1999) by 1999 c. 29, s. 17, Sch. 3 para. 5(2) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 1999/3376, art. 2

F2 Words substituted by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 18(2)

F3 S. 37(2) inserted (14.12.1999) by 1999 c. 29, s. 17, Sch. 3 para. 5(5) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 1999/3376, art. 2

F4 S. 37(2A) inserted (30.12.2007) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 60(1), 245

F5 Words in s. 37 renumbered as s. 37(3) (14.12.1999) by 1999 c. 29, s. 17, Sch. 3 para. 5(4) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 1999/3376, art. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 37 excluded (6.2.2004) by The Local Government (Ordinary Day of Election) (Wales) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/218), art. 2(1)

S. 37 excluded (13.3.2004) by The Local Elections (Ordinary Day of Election 2004) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/222), art. 2(1)