MP

Career path and progression

General elections are held every 5 years, so it can take some time to become an elected MP.

With experience, you might get the opportunity to:

• take on extra responsibilities like chairing committees
• move from junior minister to minister, then to cabinet minister if your party is in power
• become a party whip or party leader
• be a spokesperson on certain issues or have responsibilities in a shadow cabinet if your party is in opposition

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• an understanding of society and culture
• excellent verbal communication skills
• analytical thinking skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• persistence and determination
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• be over 18 years of age
• be a UK, Republic of Ireland or Commonwealth citizen

To stand for election, you'll need to be nominated by at least 10 electors from the constituency you wish to represent. You also need to pay a £500 deposit which you get back if you get more than 5% of the total votes in your constituency.

Some people are not allowed to be an MP, for example someone convicted of electoral fraud. You can find out more from the Electoral Commission.

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Politics - MPs work at the heart of the UK political system – debating policy, voting on legislation, and navigating party structures. A deep understanding of how Parliament, government, and elections work is fundamental to everything they do.
• Law - MPs vote on new laws, scrutinise proposed legislation, and need to understand how the legal system works. They also deal with government regulations and constituents' legal concerns, so knowing how laws are made and applied is essential.
• Economics - MPs debate budgets, taxation, public spending, and economic policy on a regular basis. Understanding how the economy works helps them evaluate government decisions and represent their constituents' financial interests effectively.
• English Language - MPs write speeches, draft letters to constituents, and communicate complex issues clearly to a wide range of audiences. Strong skills in persuasive writing and clear spoken communication are central to their daily work in debates, media interviews, and public meetings.
• History - MPs draw on historical knowledge to understand how current political institutions, laws, and social issues have developed over time. Knowing the history of Parliament, past legislation, and political movements helps them make informed arguments and put today's debates in context.

Also relevant

• Sociology - MPs need to understand the communities they represent, including issues like inequality, social mobility, and how different groups in society are affected by policy decisions. Sociology provides a framework for thinking about these social structures and challenges.
• Philosophy - MPs regularly engage with ethical questions – from healthcare policy to civil liberties – and need to construct logical, well-reasoned arguments. Philosophy develops the kind of critical thinking and moral reasoning that underpins good decision-making in public life.
• Psychology - MPs hold advice sessions with constituents facing personal difficulties and need to listen actively and respond with empathy. Understanding human behaviour and motivation also helps when negotiating with colleagues, campaigning, and communicating persuasively.
• Geography - MPs deal with issues like housing, transport, environmental policy, and regional inequality that are closely tied to geography. Understanding how places, populations, and resources are connected helps them represent their constituency's specific needs.
• Business - MPs engage with local businesses, debate trade and employment policy, and scrutinise how public money is spent. Understanding how organisations operate, how markets work, and how regulation affects businesses helps them make well-informed policy decisions.