Members of Parliament
What is an MP?
An MP (Member of Parliament) is a person who has been elected to represent local people at Parliament, in the House of Commons. Every part of the UK elects a local MP so that every area is represented when decisions taken at Parliament affect them.
Who is my MP?
To find out who represents you at Parliament, and how to contact them, you can:
- Search the Find MPs service
- Contact the House of Commons Enquiry Service
Most MPs are members of a political party, although some sit as Independents. Once they are elected, the MP represents everyone in their constituency, including supporters of other parties.
During an election everyone eligible to cast a vote in a constituency (constituents) selects one candidate to be their MP.
MPs work both at the UK Parliament and in their local constituencies, dividing their time between the two.
By raising an issue in the House of Commons, MPs can bring it to the attention of the government, other MPs, the press and public.
Find out how holding an additional role can affect what an MP may say and do in the House of Commons.
Nearly all MPs represent political parties. The party with the most MPs after a general election normally forms the Government. The next largest party becomes the official Opposition.
MPs are accountable directly to their local electors. MPs must also adhere to strict rules of conduct and are expected to abide by parliament's conventions.
Find out the current annual salary for an MP and the additional allowances they are entitled to.
All-Party Groups (APGs) are informal cross-party groups that have no official status within Parliament. They are essentially run by and for Members of the Commons and Lords.
Most MPs leave office at a general election, either through choice – by standing down - or through electoral defeat.