Formats
Introduction#
1Following the general election on 7 November 2026, negotiations to form a government are expected to commence in the coming weeks.
2In accordance with the convention on caretaker government, the Prime Minister has indicated that the incumbent government will govern in a caretaker capacity until the appointment of the new government.
3The declaration of the official election results is expected by 2pm on Friday 27 November, and the return of the writ and the declaration of successful list candidates by Thursday 3 December (or 4-5 days thereafter in the event of recounts).
4This circular provides guidance for Ministers and public sector agencies[1] on:
4.1the application of the caretaker convention;
4.2taking decisions during the period of caretaker government;
4.3consultation with political parties during this period;
4.4Cabinet meetings; and
4.5support from the public sector for negotiating parties.
5This guidance supplements the information in Cabinet Office circular CO (26) 5 Constitutional Procedures after the Election, issued on 25 September 2026.
Notes
- [1] For the purposes of this circular, "public sector" has the meaning in paragraph 3.5 of the Cabinet Manual 2023.