Question

To ask the Right hon. Member for Kenilworth and Southam, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, what guidance has the Electoral Commission given on the immigration status for a Commonwealth citizen to be eligible to stand as a candidate for the UK Parliament, and whether this differs from the immigration status for a qualified Commonwealth citizen to eligible register to vote; and what guidance has been given to Electoral Registration Officers on how the immigration status of a Commonwealth citizen should be verified in each case.

The Commission’s guidance for candidates and agents sets out the qualifications and disqualifications for candidacy. Its guidance for Returning Officers sets out how to process nominations

To be eligible to stand as a candidate for the UK Parliament, a Commonwealth citizen must either not require leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom, or hold indefinite leave to remain. To be eligible to register to vote in UK Parliamentary elections, a Commonwealth citizen must either not require leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom, or hold any form of such leave, including limited leave to remain.