Petition · Cabinet Office
Prevent people convicted of serious crimes standing or serving as MPs
Closed
417 signatures
What the petition asks
Ban anyone who has ever been convicted of serious offences (such as sex offences against children, terrorism, serious fraud, corruption, violent crimes) including foreign convictions and given a custodial or suspended sentence from standing for or serving as an MP; when appeals have been exhausted.
I believe any MPs convicted of serious crimes undermine public trust. Current law only vacates a current MP’s seat if given a custodial sentence longer than 12 months, and recall petition rules are limited. We believe the change suggested in this petition closes that gap, protects vulnerable people, and requires parties to vet candidates. It targets serious custodial offences only, balancing public safety with rehabilitation.
Timeline
| 17 Nov 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 17 May 2026 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
417
Status
Closed
Department
Cabinet Office
Opened
17 Nov 2025
Closed
17 May 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 4 Aug 2026.