Fife Council is divided into 22 electoral wards and elections are administered centrally, through the Election Office.
A by-election can happen due to a vacancy arising, for example the death or resignation of an elected representative. It can take place during any of the ordinary local government electoral cycles and is subject to the same statutory timetable and provisions.
Election of a Councillor for Ward 15 – Glenrothes Central and Thornton
Following the sad death of Councillor Ross Vettraino OBE (Scottish National Party), a local government by-election will be held on Thursday 24 April 2025.
The system of voting for this election is the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system.
On the ballot paper you will be asked to number the candidates in order of your preference, placing a “1” against your first choice, a “2” against your second choice, a “3” against your third choice and so on. You may vote for as many or as few of the listed candidates as you wish. The candidates you vote for may be from the same party, from several different parties, or be independent candidates.
For more information about the Single Transferable Vote system, please refer to the video below.
Local Government by-election information
The Glenrothes Central and Thornton by-election will be held on Thursday 24 April 2025.
The Improvement Service has created a website for prospective candidates with information about the role of a councillor, including what councillors do and what’s expected of a councillor. There are also videos and short stories of councillors from across Scotland detailing why they became a councillor, the difference they make, and their advice if you are thinking of standing.
If you wish to stand as a candidate at this by-election, you will find more information on the nomination process below.
Back To TopInclusion Scotland run an Access to Elected Office fund that provides financial assistance to disabled candidates standing for election. It can help with the extra costs you may incur as a result of your disability.
For more information about applying for funding, visit the Inclusion Scotland website.
Back To TopFor information on standing as a candidate, please visit the Electoral Commission’s website where you will find a range of guidance and resources for candidates and agents.
If you wish to stand for election as a candidate in this by-election, you can download a nomination pack and the Returning Officers local guidance notes below:
Alternatively, you can contact the Election Office at election.enquiries@fife.gov.uk to request a pack to be sent to you.
The Notice of Election will be published on Thursday 13 March 2025. Nominations will be accepted by the Returning Officer between 10am and 4pm on any working day from Friday 14 March 2025. Candidates are requested to contact the Election Office to make an appointment for the delivery of nomination papers.
The deadline for submission of nomination papers is 4pm on Thursday 20 March 2025.
The Returning Officer will hold a meeting with candidates and agents after the close of nominations on Monday 24 March 2025 at 6pm to discuss the local arrangements for holding the poll. This meeting will be via Teams and invitations to candidates and agents will be issued after the deadline for receipt of nominations.
Back To Top| Event | Working days before poll (deadline if not midnight) | Date (deadline if not midnight) |
|---|---|---|
| Publish Notice of Election | -28 | Thursday 13 March 2025 |
| Deadline for the delivery of nomination papers | -23 | 4pm on Thursday 20 March 2025 |
| Deadline for withdrawal of nomination | -23 | 4pm on Thursday 20 March 2025 |
| Deadline for notification of appointment of election agents | -23 | 4pm on Thursday 20 March 2025 |
| Publication of Notice of Poll/Statement of Persons Nominated/Situation of Polling Places | -23 | As soon as practical after 4pm on Thursday 20 March 2025 |
| Publication of First Interim Election Notice of Alteration | -23 | Thursday 20 March 2025 |
| Issue of poll cards | On or around Friday 21 March 2025 | |
| Registration deadline | -12 | Midnight on Friday 4 April 2025 |
| Publication of Second Interim Election Notice of Alteration | -11 | Monday 7 April 2025 |
| Deadline for new postal vote applications and for changes to existing postal and proxy votes | -11 | 5pm on Monday 7 April 2025 |
| Issue of postal votes | On or around Thursday 10 April 2025 | |
| Deadline for new applications to vote by proxy (not postal proxy), except for medical emergencies | -6 | Monday 14 April 2025 |
| Deadline for notifications of appointment of polling and counting agents | -5 | Tuesday 15 April 2025 |
| Publication of Final Interim Election Notice of Alteration | -5 | Tuesday 15 April 2025 |
| First date that electors can apply for replacements for lost postal votes | -4 | Wednesday 16 April 2025 |
| Polling Day | 0 | Thursday 24 April 2025 |
| Deadline for emergency proxy applications | 0 | 5pm on Thursday 24 April 2025 |
| Last time to alter the register due to clerical error or court appeal | 0 | 9pm on Thursday 24 April 2025 |
| Last time for re-issue for spoilt or lost postal votes | 0 | 10pm on Thursday 24 April 2025 |
| eCount | +1 | 10pm on Thursday 24 April 2025 |
| Last day to submit election spending returns | +35 | Friday 30 May 2025 |
The deadline to register to vote for this by-election is midnight on Friday 4 April 2025. You can register online at www.gov.uk/registertovote.
Back To TopThe deadline to apply for a new postal vote or to amend (including amending a postal vote to a proxy vote) or to cancel an existing postal vote is on or around Thursday 10 April 2025.
Postal Votes for this election will be issued around Wednesday 9 April 2025. If you have lost or not received your postal vote by Wednesday 16 April 2025, please contact the Returning Officer for a replacement. By law, the Returning Officer cannot begin to replace postal votes until Wednesday 16 April 2025.
If you are likely to be away during the election period
You may want to consider appointing a proxy for this election instead of applying for a postal vote as the Returning Officer cannot guarantee delivery before you go away.
Back To TopIf you wish to attend the count, complete the media accreditation application form before midnight on 15 April 2025.
We will be unable to process requests or make changes after this date."
Back To TopThe counting of votes cast will happen electronically on the evening of Thursday 24 April 2025, finishing at 10pm. The results of the poll will be published directly after the completion of the count.
Back To TopVisit our Local by-election 2025 FAQs page if you have any further questions.
| Contact details | |
|---|---|
| Address | Election Office Fife House North Street Glenrothes KY7 5LT |
| elections.enquiries@fife.gov.uk | |
| Telephone | 03451 55 55 55 Ext 445303 |
