[F15(1)This paragraph applies if there are three or more candidates to be a mayor.E+W
(2)If one of the candidates to be the mayor receives more than half of all the first preference votes given in the election, that candidate is to be returned as the mayor.
(3)If none of the candidates to be the mayor receives more than half of all the first preference votes given in the election, the following provisions are to have effect.
(4)The two candidates who received the greatest number of first preference votes given in the election remain in the contest.
(5)If, by reason of an equality of first preference votes, three or more candidates are qualified to remain in the contest by virtue of sub-paragraph (4), all of them remain in the contest.
(6)The other candidates are eliminated from the contest.
(7)The number of second preference votes given in the election for each of the candidates remaining in the contest by voters who did not give their first preference vote to any of those candidates is to be ascertained.
(8)That number is to be added to the number of first preference votes given for that candidate, to give that candidate's total number of preference votes.
(9)The person who is to be returned as the mayor is that one of the candidates remaining in the contest who has the greatest number of preference votes.
(10)If, by reason of an equality of total number of preference votes, two or more candidates remaining in the contest each have the greatest number of preference votes, the returning officer is to decide by lots which of them is to be returned as the mayor.
(11)In this paragraph “first preference vote” and “second preference vote” has the meaning given in paragraph 4(1).]
Textual Amendments
F1Sch. 5B inserted (28.1.2016 for specified purposes, 28.3.2016 in so far as not already in force) by Cities and Local Government Devolution Act 2016 (c. 1), s. 25(2), Sch. 1