Nearly every candidate was returned unopposed in the election, with contests in only seven of the 48 divisions. No party affiliation is recorded for any of the candidates, except those for Gonerby and Osbournby.
John Creasey, the sitting councillor of the Billinghay division, died on 30 October 1901.[8] Three candidates emerged to fill the vacancy created by his death: John William Palmer, a merchant; John Edward South, a miller and merchant; and William Ravell, a farmer and auctioneer.[9] The election was held on Friday, 6 December.[9][10] According to the Grantham Journal, "all parties work[ed] hard for success"; canvassing was carried out in Billinghay and Walcott and Palmer and Ravell addressed voters in both villages in the week before the election.[10]