Conservators' Election 2021

Every three years there is an election for the five elected Conservators and the next election will take place in March 2021. On this page you will find information about the election which will be updated as necessary in the period running through to the election.  If you have any questions about the election or standing as a candidate please email election@wpcc.org.uk

Call for Election Candidates

This is a special opportunity to be instrumental in shaping the future of our Commons.

The Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators (WPCC) are together a corporate body established by the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Act 1871 (the1871 Act). 2021 will be our 150th Anniversary.

The Conservators (Trustees) are responsible for managing the Commons in accordance with the provisions of the 1871 Act. The WPCC is also a registered charity and, therefore, the Conservators are charity trustees responsible for complying with the provisions of the Charities’ Acts.

Under the 1871 Act there are eight Conservators (Trustees), three of whom are appointed by Government Departments, and the other five are elected every three years by those local residents who live in the levy area and are entitled to vote in local government elections. The levy area is within three-quarters of a mile of the boundary of Wimbledon Common or within the old Parish of Putney.  A map of the levy area can be found here.

The next election for Conservators will take place in March 2021. Would you be interested in standing for election?

Why become a Conservator (Trustee)?

Being a Conservator (Trustee) is rewarding and enjoyable.  It is a great way to be involved in the local community, by helping to manage one of south west London’s most important public open spaces. Being a Conservator (Trustee) can expose you to new experiences that can be diverse and interesting. It can present you with new challenges, both constructive and exciting as well as sometimes challenging in balancing conflicting interests and priorities.  You will do so as part of a team of Conservators (Trustees) and the executive and will have the opportunity to contribute your unique skills and experience while learning from others too.

What to do if you wish to explore standing as a Conservator (Trustee)

You need to have a genuine interest in all aspects of the Commons, be prepared to attend regular Board meetings and be committed to ensuring that the Commons remain a natural open space providing an important green lung for South West London. You will also have obligations as a Trustee to the Charity Commission with respect to the charitable objectives of the Commons which are “to preserve the Commons as open spaces for purposes of exercise and recreation and other purposes”.  

To be eligible to stand as a Conservator (Trustee), you must

  • live in the levy area;
  • be named on your local Council’s most recent Electoral Register;
  • be proposed and seconded by two other electors who live in the levy area, and
  • meet the legal requirements to become a trustee of a charity.


You can download a Candidate Brief and Application Pack here, or obtain a hard copy from the Ranger's Office (Coronavirus restrictions permitting).  Prospective candidates should also read the Guidance for Candidates contained in Part C of the Election Guidelines and Procedures which can be downloaded here

If you have any questions about the election or how to become a candidate please email election@wpcc.org.uk or call Ms Paula Graystone, the Deputy Clerk and Ranger, on 020 8788 7655.

Key election dates

Issue of formal statutory notice regarding the election date

4 December 2020
List of electors available for public inspection, by appointment, at Manor Cottage.  If you wish to inspect the list, please email election@wpcc.org.uk 30 December 2020 until
20 January 2021

Meeting for prospective candidates with Returning Officer.  Because of the pandemic, these meetings will be held by video-conference.

If you wish to attend one of these meetings please email
the Deputy Clerk and Ranger at election@wpcc.org.uk

5 and 7 January 2021
at 7.00pm
Last date for receipt of claims and objections to list of electors 20 January 2021
Last date for receipt of candidate application packs from candidates who wish to have their names and biographical details included in the ballot papers 27 January 2021
Ballot papers to be dispatched to electors by Scrutineer

Week commencing
8 February 2021
Last date for receipt of candidate applications 24 February 2021
Latest time by which completed ballot papers must be received by Scrutineer (either electronically or physically) 5.00pm on Wednesday 10 March
Result of election announced 11 March 2021

Election Date

The Board has resolved that the date of the next election will be Wednesday 10 March 2021. This is the date by which completed ballot papers must be received by the Scrutineer.  

Election Guidelines and Procedures

The Board has approved the Election Guidelines and Procedures for the 2021 election which can be downloaded here.

Appointment of Returning Officer and Scrutineer

Mr Nigel Ware, the Home Office appointed Conservator, has been appointed as Returning Officer for the next triennial election to be held in 2021.

Civica Election Services Limited (formerly Electoral Reform Services) has been appointed as Scrutineer.