Cambridgeshire, May 2025 – A series of elections and referenda have taken place across South Cambridgeshire and its surrounding regions, as voters exercised their democratic rights throughout April, May, and into June 2025. From local council by-elections to neighbourhood planning referendums and high-stakes mayoral contests, these events reflect ongoing civic engagement and community development efforts.
County and mayoral elections – 1 May 2025
The most prominent event was held on Thursday 1 May 2025, when residents across the region voted in the Cambridgeshire County Council elections and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Mayoral election.
The turnout for the mayoral election in South Cambridgeshire was 38.24%, reflecting a moderate but committed voter base. The results for the Combined Authority Mayor, including South Cambridgeshire’s local total, have been published by East Cambridgeshire District Council. The mayoral race drew significant public interest as it impacts regional transportation, housing, and economic policy.
Simultaneously, elections for Cambridgeshire County Council were held, and results from various divisions in South Cambridgeshire have been released by the County Council. The list of candidates and election notices were made available in the run-up to polling day, ensuring transparency and public awareness.
Waterbeach Parish council by-election
Also on 1 May, a by-election was conducted in Waterbeach Parish to fill a vacant council seat. The election featured two candidates: Sarah Dixon and Sarah Ann Smart. With a strong voter turnout in the parish, Sarah Ann Smart secured the seat with 861 votes, ahead of Dixon’s 482. This local by-election underscored the importance of grassroots governance and representation in South Cambridgeshire’s villages.
Neighbourhood plan referendums
Neighbourhood planning remains a key focus in local governance, and two referenda—one concluded and one upcoming—illustrate the active role of communities in shaping their future.
On Tuesday 8 April, Pampisford residents voted on whether to adopt their Neighbourhood Plan. The referendum concluded with a majority in favour, giving Cambridge City Council a new guiding document to consider when making planning decisions in Pampisford.
Looking ahead, a Neighbourhood Plan Referendum in Thriplow and Heathfield is scheduled for Wednesday 12 June. Residents will vote on adopting the proposed neighbourhood development strategy. The deadline to register to vote is 27 May, with postal vote applications closing at 5pm on 28 May, and proxy vote applications closing at 5pm on 4 June. Those requiring a Voter Authority Certificate must apply by the same 4 June deadline.
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Details of the Thriplow and Heathfield plan can be accessed on the council’s Neighbourhood Planning pages, and the official Notice of Referendum has been issued.
Administrative details and transparency
To ensure public accountability, multiple official notices have been published in advance and following each election. These include Statements of Persons Nominated, Notices of Poll, and Declarations of Results for all voting events. Voters and observers alike were able to access these documents through the relevant council websites or by contacting the elections team at elections@scambs.gov.uk.
Additionally, the Verification Number—a figure indicating the threshold for petition-triggered referendums—has also been published, fulfilling annual regulatory requirements.
Conclusion
The 2025 election season in South Cambridgeshire reflects the diverse mechanisms of local democracy—from large-scale authority elections to hyper-local planning referenda and council by-elections. Voters across the region continue to influence how their communities evolve, highlighting the importance of informed participation and transparent electoral processes.
For more information on voter registration, postal voting, and neighbourhood planning, visit the Electoral Commission website or consult your local council’s election pages.
