So we’re just ignoring this part then?

In Britain, being nominated as a local election candidate simply involves signing some forms, with no deposit required. A paper candidate will often do no campaigning at all and so be able to submit a zero return of election expenses, simplifying the paperwork for the election agent. Paper candidates are commonly fielded in different locations by all the major parties in both local and national elections.

There’s actually a term for it

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dummy_candidate

Or this - see the UK section

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paper_candidate

“All the work to be a candidate”…

Sweet summer child…