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Disqualifying offices

Certain post-holders are disqualified from becoming a Member of Parliament. These include:1

  • civil servants
  • members of police forces
  • members of the armed forces
  • government-nominated directors of commercial companies
  • judges
  • members of the legislature of any country or territory outside the Commonwealth
  • peers who sit and can vote in the House of Lords
  • bishops of the Church of England (known as the Lords Spiritual) who are entitled to sit and vote in the House of Lords

This list is not comprehensive and detailed lists of disqualifying offices are set out in the House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975 (as amended).

Other office holders standing at a UK Parliamentary election

Members of Senedd standing at the UK Parliamentary election

Whilst Members of the Senedd can stand as candidates in a UK Parliamentary election, they cannot be Members of the House of Commons. If successful an MS would have to resign their seat in the Senedd within eight calendar days of being elected to the House of Commons.2

Members of the Scottish Parliament

Whilst Members of the Scottish Parliament can stand as candidates in a UK Parliamentary election, they cannot be Members of the House of Commons. If successful, they would have to resign their post within 49 calendar days of being elected / taking the oath of allegiance (or making the corresponding affirmation).

Last updated: 14 May 2026