Candidates: Commonwealth

(asked on 9th September 2026) - View Source

Question

To ask the Right hon. Member for Kenilworth and Southam, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, what guidance the Electoral Commission provides on whether Commonwealth citizens can stand for election to (a) Parliament and (b) local government, and what are the necessary qualifications in terms of leave to remain.


Answered by
Jeremy Wright Portrait
Jeremy Wright
This question was answered on 14th September 2026

The Electoral Commission’s guidance for candidates and agents sets out the qualification requirements for UK parliamentary elections and local government elections in England. Commonwealth citizens must meet these requirements to stand, and they must either have indefinite leave to remain or not need leave to enter or remain.

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