A by-election will be held on 11 December 2025 to elect a councillor for the Whitburn and Blackburn ward
West Lothian Council - Whitburn and Blackburn By-Election
The Returning Officer has determined that Thursday 11 December 2025 will be the date for Local Government By-Election to be held in the Whitburn and Blackburn Ward (West Lothian Council). The Notice of Election was published on Friday 31 October 2025.
The nomination period runs from Monday 3 November 2025 to Friday 7 November 2025. Nominations can be lodged between 10am and 4pm during this period.
Nominations must be lodged not later than 4pm onFriday 7 November 2025.
Candidate Information
A Candidate and Agent Briefing took place on Wednesday 29 October. A copy of the presentation slides are available to download from this page.
For the convenience of candidates and election agents, arrangements have been made for staff to accept nomination papers at the Election Office, West Lothian Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston EH54 6FF.
Nomination packs are available to collect from the Election Office at West Lothian Civic Centre in Livingston, or can be downloaded from this page.
To assist in ensuring that an appropriate member of staff is on hand to receive nominations it would be helpful if candidates (and/or election agents) would contact a member of the Election Team on 01506 282035 or by email at elections@westlothian.gov.ukto arrange a mutually convenient date and time for checking of the nomination papers and thereafter to lodge formally the nomination paper. Ideally that would happen after forms have been checked via email.
The Access to Elected Office Fund (opens new window) is run by Inclusion Scotland and offers money for practical support and reasonable adjustments to remove barriers for disabled candidates. This can include help with communication, transport or personal assistance.
Accessibility guidance for voters
Information on this website can be translated into your chosen alternative language by clicking on the Recite Me 'Accessibility' button on the top right corner of the page.
A range of important questions and answers relating to the forthcoming local by election
A By-Election will be held on Thursday 11 December 2025 to elect one councillor to West Lothian Council for the Whitburn and Blackburn Ward. The Notice of Election contains more information and dates and deadlines.
Councillors are elected through a form of proportional representation. The results are not decided by "first past the post".
Voters should use a sequence of numbers, starting with 1, to put the candidates in their preferred order. There is no limit on the number of preferences - voters can choose to mark a preference for just one candidate, or all the candidates, or any number in between.
Anyone who is registered to vote in the Whitburn and Blackburn ward in a Scottish local government election is able to cast their vote in this by-election. That includes young people aged 16 and over on 11 December 2025 and some people in prison.
You can vote in person.
You can vote via a postal vote.
You can have someone vote for you (by proxy).
No, photo ID is not required to vote in a local government election in Scotland. Voters will get a poll card in the post to tell them where to vote. They can bring that when they go to vote but it is not essential.
The deadline for voter registration is midnight on Monday 24 November 2025.
If you are not registered, it is now very easy to do so. You can register online (opens new window) or by calling 0131 344 2500 and the Electoral Registration Office will help with telephone registration.
Alternatively, you can download a form from the Electoral Registration Office website (opens new window) and send it to their address: Lothian Valuation Joint Board, 17A South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh, EH12 9FL. Please allow sufficient time for mail to be delivered.
The deadline for applying to vote by post in this by-election is 5pm on Tuesday 25 November
Please note that you cannot apply online for a postal vote for this by-election. If you applied online for a postal vote for the recent UK General Election, you will not have a postal vote for the by-election. You will need to download and complete a paper application form to apply for a postal vote for this by-election. If you are unsure if you have a postal vote in place for the by-election you can check by calling the Electoral Registration Office on 0131 344 2500.
To apply for a postal vote for the by-election, download and complete an application form from the Electoral Registration Officer (opens new window) at or by calling 0131 344 2500. Completed application forms should be sent back to them at 17A South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh EH12 9FL.
Please allow sufficient time for mail to be delivered. If you will be away from home before the by-election then there is a chance that your postal vote pack may not reach you in time for you to use it. Once your postal vote application has been granted you may not be able to change back or appoint a proxy.
You can hand in your completed postal vote at any time at the Civic Centre, or on polling day at any polling station. There is no form to complete if you do that.
By law, it is not currently possible to hold elections by postal vote only.
A proxy vote allows a nominated person to cast your vote on your behalf either in person or by post in specified circumstances.
Changes to existing proxy vote details must be made by 5pm on Tuesday 25 November
Applications for new proxy votes (except for emergencies) must be made by 5pm on Tuesday 25 November.
Applications for emergency proxy votes can be made until 5pm on polling day (Thursday 11 December). The grounds for issuing an emergency proxy vote are limited. Applications must be made to the Electoral Registration Officer at Lothian Valuation Joint Board (opens new window) or by sending complete applications to 17A South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh EH12 9FL or calling 0131 344 2500.
A full list of polling stations will be published on the West Lothian Council website ahead of the By-Election
Polling stations meet required standards to let disabled voters access them. Arrangements are also in place, and staff are trained, to enable disabled voters mark their ballot papers.
The poll will be open on Thursday 11 December from 7am and will close at 10pm. You will not be turned away at 10pm if you are already in a queue to vote.
The votes will be counted on Friday 12 December and the result will be declared as soon as the count is completed. Ballot papers are scanned and are counted electronically.
A full list of candidates will be published on the West Lothian Council website following the close of the nomination period on 7 November. Candidates and their Election Agents are responsible for letting you know about their policies and political views. They are also responsible for the conduct of their campaigners.
