On Thursday, 1 May 2025, voters across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough participated in a crucial day of local democracy, casting their ballots to elect the Mayor for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, alongside 12 councillors to the Cambridgeshire County Council. In addition, by-elections were held for East Chesterton and West Chesterton wards in Cambridge City Council, following two mid-term resignations.
Polling stations opened at 7am and remained active until 10pm across the region, marking a significant event in the civic calendar. The elections followed weeks of campaigning and voter outreach, with candidate nominations opening on 26 March and closing on 2 April. The electoral process also included key deadlines for voter registration, postal and proxy voting, and voter ID applications throughout April.
Key results and announcements
Results were announced on Friday, 2 May. In the morning, the declaration of the Combined Authority Mayor result took place, followed by the county council and city council results in the afternoon.
The race for the Combined Authority Mayor saw a competitive lineup of candidates, with the final declaration confirming the elected candidate who will serve as the regional figurehead and lead on transport, housing, infrastructure, and economic development. The full declaration [PDF, 0.1MB] is available for public review.
Meanwhile, the 12 newly elected members of Cambridgeshire County Council will play a pivotal role in shaping policies on education, social care, highways, and environmental services. Declarations of the county council results [PDF, 0.3MB] have been formally released.
In Cambridge City Council, the by-elections for East Chesterton and West Chesterton resulted in two new councillors taking office. These by-elections were triggered by the resignations of previous council members and were crucial in maintaining representation in those wards. Results of these by-elections [PDF, 0.2MB] are also now available.
Election process and voter participation
This year’s election cycle included extensive voter education and outreach. The Electoral Commission, along with the UK Government, provided detailed step-by-step guides on how to vote, register, and ensure valid ID was in place under the new voter ID rules.
Those opting for postal or proxy voting were required to meet key deadlines in April, including 14 April for postal vote applications and 23 April for proxy vote requests. Voter authority certificates were also available free of charge until the same April deadline, ensuring those without traditional forms of ID could still cast their vote.
Referendum in South Newnham
In a separate democratic exercise earlier in the year, a neighbourhood planning referendum was held on 16 January 2025 for residents in the South Newnham area. Voters were asked whether they supported Cambridge City Council using the South Newnham Neighbourhood Plan to guide planning decisions in the local area. The result was a majority in favour, meaning the plan will now be a key consideration in development and planning approvals. A single polling station at St Mark’s Church on Barton Road facilitated this local vote.
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Important notices and documentation
A wide range of official notices and election documents were published in the lead-up to polling day, including notices of vacancies, nominations, election agents, and polling station locations. All documents related to the 2025 elections — including candidate lists, polling station details, and vote declarations — are accessible in PDF format on the Cambridge City Council’s election portal.
For more information
To explore the full results, voter guides, and official documentation, residents can visit the following resources:
- The Electoral Commission website
- The UK Government’s official voting guidance portal
These platforms provide comprehensive insights into voting rights, processes, and access to all relevant election notices.
As the newly elected representatives assume their duties, the 2025 elections underscore the importance of local engagement and the evolving landscape of democratic participation in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
