Electoral Candidates (Age) Bill

A Bill to allow a person who is age 18 or older on the day of a parliamentary or local election to stand as candidate; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Parliament last updated

29 April 2022

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

The Bill would allow anyone who is 18 or older on the day of a parliamentary or local election to stand as a candidate. It also covers related provisions needed to implement this change.

Key Points

Minimum age to stand is 18, assessed on the day of the election.
Applies to both parliamentary elections and local government elections.
Includes connected provisions to enable the change and its implementation.

Who is affected?

People who want to stand for Parliament or local councils and are 18 or older on election dayPolitical parties, candidates and campaign organisersElectoral administrators and local authorities responsible for running electionsVoters and communities participating in elections

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

23 Jun 2021

2nd readingCommons

6 May 2022

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

Electoral Candidates (Age) Bill

23 Jun 2021

The 2021-2022 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.