How to become a Member of Parliament

What do MPs do?

MP’s stand for Members of Parliment, who are selected by the UK public to represent their interests and concerns in the House of Commons. They ask government ministers questions about current issues and especially what may affect local constituents. 

Some MPs from governing parties become government ministers with certain responsibilities in certain areas e.g., Defense. These MP’s do not stop working for their constituency. However, their role in Government or Parliament will still hold regular surgeries to support their members. 

What do MP’s do in Parliament? 

Generally, when they are meeting, they’ll spend their time working in the House of Commons. This may entail raising concerns affecting their constituents and contributing to debates and voting on new laws. They can ask a government minister on their behalf to highlight campaigns which the community has strong opinions on. 

How can MP make a difference? 

Being an MP isn’t just about raising concerns in the House of Commons and leaving it for the higher-ups to decide, it’s about really voicing your opinion and making it known as to why what you’re speaking about should be a new factor to the community. 

For example, one of your constituents asked you about the building of new hospitals in the area, as they feel as if there isn’t enough aid being given to society in times of need. As you, the MP, take in what they are saying, it is your responsibility to make sure their voice is heard. It is your responsibility to tell the world why this topic is important. It is your responsibility to ensure that their needs will be met. 

In their constituency, MPs often hold something called a ‘surgery’ in their office, where locals can come and discuss matters that concern them. This alone makes a stark difference in taking people’s feelings that they may not be able to express themselves into account. 

They’ll also attend functions, visit places such as schools and businesses, and their goal is to meet as many people as they can. It provides them with further knowledge and insight into topics they may discuss. 

Why should you want to be an MP? 

If you are constantly feeling like yours and other people’s voices are not being heard enough, becoming an MP is the best choice for you. As well as being able to voice your opinion to people who can make a difference and change the laws, you can also help the people who cannot voice their own opinions, and help make your communities a better place to live in. Become an MP now. 

How to become an MP 

To become an MP, you’ll want to start gaining experience as an activist or volunteer in parties. You will have to decide whether you wish to become an independent candidate or as an official member of a political party. You need to choose a constituency and fill out all the required candidacy paperwork. Next, run an active campaign and speak out publicly concerning issues that affect you. 

Every candidate must have an election agent, or you can act as your own. This is the person responsible in law for the proper management, particularly in terms of your election campaign. 

To become a ‘validly nominated’ candidate, where your name will appear on a ballot paper, you’ll need to send a completed set of nomination forms with a deposit of £500 to the Returning Officer before the allotted time on the deadline day for nominations. 

As a ‘validly nominated’ candidate, you will be entitled to free postage for one election communication to electors in your constituency, as well as the use of certain rooms to hold public meetings. 

However, you cannot become an MP if you are: 

• members of the police forces 
• members of the armed forces 
• civil servants and judges 
• people who are subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order in England or Wales or a debt relief restrictions order 
• people who have been adjudged bankrupt in Northern Ireland 
• people who have had their estate sequestrated in Scotland 

Then, after all of your vigorous efforts and persuasion, you may find yourself as a Member of Parliament.