Information for journalists and photographers
Venue: Allianz Stadium (formerly Twickenham Rugby Stadium), Whitton Road, Twickenham, TW2 7BA
Date: Friday, 8 May 2026, from 9.30am
Travel details: https://allianzstadiumtwickenham.com/getting-here
Parking: Further information on parking arrangements will follow upon a successful accreditation application.
Welcome to Hounslow
Thank you for your interest in covering Hounslow’s 2026 local election count. We value the role of the media in ensuring transparent, accurate reporting and look forward to supporting you on the day. This guidance provides essential information to support your coverage, how you can apply to attend the count and rules at the count to ensure it proceeds efficiently and lawfully.
Background
Hounslow comprises of 62 councillors across 22 wards, with each ward electing either two or three councillors. All-out elections are held every four years.
Ward boundaries were implemented for the 2022 elections and remain unchanged for 2026. Further details on previous election results are available on our website.
Attending the Hounslow Local Election count
Reporters are invited to apply to attend the Hounslow count by 23:59 on Monday, 27 April. Accreditation decisions will be confirmed on Friday, 1 May.
Applications need to be made through this online form. Decisions for approval will be based on factors such as an outlet’s editorial profile, audience and reach.
Space for media representatives is limited. Should we receive more requests than we can accommodate, the Council will consider and allocate accreditations on factors such as when requests were received and achieving a representative mix of media.
Final decisions on accreditation will be made by the Director of Communications, Culture and Engagement, in consultation with the Returning Officer as necessary.
We expect a named individual to represent media organisations and photo ID will be required on the day.
Registration
Media access at the count will start at 9.30am on Friday, 8 May.
On arrival, please check in at the media reception desk, at ‘The Live Room’ entrance on the Whitton Road. To avoid delays, do not queue at the candidates’ and agents’ reception desk.
You will receive a lanyard to wear throughout the event. A member of the Communications Team will take you to the designated media area and brief you on emergency procedures, filming and photography protocols.
Media facilities
A designated media area (not on the count floor) will be available, offering chairs, tables, Wi-Fi and power outlets. If you need specific broadcasting arrangements, please let us know in advance.
Tea and coffee will be provided but there is no other catering on-site. However, a Tesco is located nearby.
Hounslow Council is not liable for lost or stolen items.
Inside the count hall
Media access to the count hall is restricted. If you’d like to enter, you will need to ask a member of our Communications Team, who will accompany you.
Interviews must take place outside the count halls, subject to venue safety and access guidance.
To protect the integrity of the process, count staff must not be at approached or interrupted.
Close up filming or photography of ballot papers, ballot paper identifiers or personal data is not permitted. As is obstructing staff and blocking thoroughfares.
We’ll guide you to the announcement area when results are ready so you can capture declarations.
Legal considerations
- All attendees must read the Statement as to Secrecy at Elections (Section 66, Representation of the People Act 1983).
Timetable and announcements
- Verification of ballot papers will begin promptly at 9am on Friday, 8 May. With media access from 9:30am.
- Ward results will be announced in the main announcement area, next to the designated media area. We anticipate most declarations will be complete by 5pm.
- Filming and photography during announcements will be permitted. Although the Returning Officer may pause or restrict this if needed to ensure the declaration proceeds safely and smoothly
- Results will be published on our website and shared via X @LBofHounslow using #HounslowElects2026.
Candidates
Nominations close at 4pm on Thursday, 9 April. The Statement of Persons Nominated and list of polling stations will be published no later than 4pm on Friday, 10 April. These notices will be published on our website. https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/elections-voting/local-elections-7-may-2026/2
Returning Officer
The Returning Officer for the 2026 Local Election is Mandy Skinner, Chief Executive of Hounslow Council.
We are committed to providing a welcoming environment and appropriate access for all accredited media. By attending, you agree to follow these rules and any instructions from the Returning Officer, or their deputies. Admission and continued access are at the Returning Officer’s discretion. Anyone impeding the efficient conduct of the count may be asked to leave and may not be readmitted.
Media contact
Council communications team: communications@hounslow.gov.uk
