How to become an MP

The Independent MP

How-to-become-an-MP

This page describes how you can become an Independent MP

Warning: There are rules which must be adhered to; these can be found on the Electoral commissions’ web site.

http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk

On the Electoral Commission website, you should read the documents on:

1) Registering your candidature.

2) Allowable Election expenses

Use the Political Links page to research the following:

1) Your Constituency boundary

2) The competition (political parties, current MPs)

3) Rules for MPs in the House of Commons

4) The boundary of your constituency

MOST OF ALL STAY WITHIN THE LAW AND GET NOTICED

Remember,
1) You must be at least 18 years old on the last day of nominations,
2) You must not be a Bishop, a Peer, a member of the Armed Forces, or have be serving a sentence of more than 1 Year.
3) Resign from any disqualifying organisations, of which there are 100's.
4) Obtain nomination papers from the Returning Officer
5) In the constituency you wish to represent you must get 10 members of the electorate to sign the nomination papers.
6) Send the nomination papers and £500 to the returning officer at least TWO weeks before polling day.
7) Make sure all campaign literature has your full Name and Address and printer details on.

Promoting yourself locally.

You must promote yourself to get yourself well known by your potential electorate. This happens long before an election is called.

It is recommended that you try some of the following:

1) Stand for election as a councilor as this will give you experience of campaigning. It doesn't matter if you don't win.
2) Write plenty of good topical letters to the local papers.
3) Become a school Governor or join the PTA.
4) Become involved in local issues, planning protest etc.
5) Try to raise local or family sponsors for your campaign. You need 8 supporters for your candidature papers.
6) Discuss local issues with Councilors, Doctors, and Dentists etc
7) Analyse local issues and National policies to identify the major election issues for your manifesto
8) Start your own local protest for closing hospitals, poor transport, planning decisions, over development of housing etc.

Last updated on 26th April 2012

The Independent MP