Recent local elections have produced a series of shock victories, leaving some winning candidates more surprised than celebratory. While many new councillors are embracing their new roles, others were fielded as “paper candidates”—individuals run on the understanding that they are highly unlikely to win, primarily to ensure a party appears on the ballot paper in as many locations as possible.
The Rise of the “Paper Candidate”
In Finsbury Park, north London, Green party handlers were forced to apologize to a newly elected councillor who had been designated as a paper candidate. Following the unexpected win, handlers told the candidate, “You’re going to be great, we’ll support you,” according to the Islington Tribune.
The strategy of recruiting unlikely winners was not limited to one party. Reform UK cold-called members of the public, including a Guardian journalist, in an effort to enlist candidates across the country. These surprise victories coincided with a period where Labour saw its worst results on record.
Seismic Shift in Hackney
The Green party achieved a major breakthrough in London, winning a majority on the Hackney council by securing 42 of the 57 available seats. This victory ousted Labour as the controlling party and saw Zoë Garbett become the borough’s first Green mayor, ending Labour’s 24-year grip on the position.
Among the victors was Tyrone Scott, a 34-year-old Green party member of 12 years. Scott had previously experienced a “devastating” loss four years ago when he missed becoming a Hackney councillor by 27 votes. He also previously ran for deputy leader of the party, finishing second to current leader Zack Polanski.
A Personal Triumph in Hackney Wick
Scott entered the race in Hackney Wick, an area where Labour had sailed to victory in 2022. Because he had significant work commitments as the head of campaigns for an anti-poverty charity, Scott opted for this area due to the “less likelihood we were going to win,” describing himself as a “cardboard candidate.”
Despite minimal canvassing in Hackney Wick compared to year-long campaigns elsewhere in the borough, Scott’s ward elected three Green councillors. Scott described the result as a “mix of emotions,” including “nervous excitement,” noting, “It felt quite surreal and we were very elated. I think all of us are having a moment of, ‘Oh, wait, This represents real now’.”
Immediate Fallout in Camden
Not all surprise wins resulted in long-term appointments. In Camden, a secondary-school teacher elected for the Greens resigned immediately after his victory. The resignation occurred because he is not permitted to hold the councillor post while teaching within the borough.
As a result of this resignation, a byelection is now expected in Camden. Meanwhile, Scott intends to coordinate with his employer to balance his charity work with his new civic duties, hoping to use the victory to rebuild “community cohesion” in Hackney.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a “paper candidate”?
A paper candidate is someone fielded by a political party on the understanding that they are highly unlikely to win, allowing the party to appear on the ballot paper in as many places as possible.
How many seats did the Green party win in Hackney?
The Green party won 42 of the 57 seats up for grabs, securing a majority on the council.
Why did the newly elected Green councillor in Camden resign?
The councillor, a secondary-school teacher, resigned immediately because he is not allowed to hold the position of councillor while also teaching in the borough.
Do you think the use of “paper candidates” is an effective strategy for political parties, or does it create instability when those candidates actually win?
