What is an MP?

An MP, or Member of Parliament, is a person elected to represent a local area, called a constituency, in the UK House of Commons. There are 650 MPs. They debate and vote on laws, scrutinise the government and help constituents with problems. MPs are elected at least every five years.

MPs split their time between Westminster and their constituency. In Parliament they vote on bills, take part in debates, ask ministers questions and sit on select committees that investigate government departments. Some become ministers or shadow ministers. MPs sit in the House of Commons, the elected chamber of Parliament. Bills usually pass through it before going to the House of Lords.

In their constituency, MPs hold surgeries where local people can raise issues, such as problems with benefits, housing or immigration cases. They can write to ministers and public bodies on constituents' behalf. MPs are paid a salary set by an independent body, plus expenses for running offices. Each MP's annual salary is set by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority.

Most MPs belong to a political party and usually vote with it, guided by party whips. Some sit as independents. If an MP dies, resigns or is removed by a successful recall petition, a by-election is held. To stand, a candidate must be at least 18 and a British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth citizen. MPs can lose their seat at any general election, so local reputation matters.