You are in the Qualifications and disqualifications for standing for election section Home … Guidance for Candidates and Agents at UK Parliamentary by-elections in Great Britain … What you need to know before you stand as a candidate … Qualifications and disqualifications for standing for election … Guidance for Candidates and Agents at UK Parliamentary by-elections in Great Britain Print this page | Print full guidance Qualifications To be able to stand as a candidate at a UK Parliamentary by-election in Great Britain you must:be at least 18 years old1 be a British citizen, a citizen of the Republic of Ireland, or an eligible Commonwealth citizen2 An eligible Commonwealth citizen is a Commonwealth citizen who either:does not need leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom, orhas indefinite leave to remain in the United KingdomCitizens of other countries are not eligible to become a Member of the UK Parliament.There is no requirement in law for you to be a registered elector in the UK. 1. Section 17(1) Electoral Administration Act 2006 (EAA 2006) ↩ Back to content at footnote 1 2. S.18 EAA 2006 ↩ Back to content at footnote 2 Last updated: 9 January 2024 Book traversal links for Guidance for Candidates and Agents at UK Parliamentary by-elections in Great Britain Qualifications and disqualifications for standing for election Disqualifications Modal Title