Petition · Cabinet Office

Change election rules so that only people who live in the area can stand

Closed 134 signatures

What the petition asks

We think the rules for Parliamentary elections or by-elections need changing so that only people who have their primary home in a particular area and have lived in that areas for at least five years can stand in elections.
We want to change the laws about who can represent a particular area as we think this would ensure that only people who have a real interest in that particular area are able to stand to act for that area wanting the best for the area. We think this would stop people who are not local residents standing as a candidate just because they think it will be an easy seat to win. We think these candidates have no real connection to that area nor a real concern over what happens in that area.

We think making it so that only local people can represent their neighbours will restore some confidence in MPs because who knows the needs of an area better than someone who actually lives in that area.

Timeline

20 Dec 2024 Petition opened for signatures
20 Jun 2025 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 134
Status Closed
Department Cabinet Office
Opened 20 Dec 2024
Closed 20 Jun 2025

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 11 Aug 2026.