# Travel >> Destinations >> United Kingdom

Minimum Age to Stand for Public Office in the UK

The UK sets different minimum ages depending on the office. Since the Electoral Administration Act 2006, the general candidacy age is 18 for most elected positions.

Summary Table

Office	Minimum Age	Notes
Member of Parliament (House of Commons)	18	Since 2006; previously 21
House of Lords	21	Life peers; hereditary peers inherit at 21
Scottish Parliament (MSP)	18
Senedd / Welsh Parliament (MS)	18
Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA)	18
Local Councillor (all tiers)	18	Parish, district, borough, county, unitary, metropolitan
Mayor (directly elected)	18	Includes London Mayor, metro mayors
Police & Crime Commissioner	18

Additional Requirements

British, Irish, or qualifying Commonwealth/EU citizen.
Not disqualified (e.g., certain prisoners, undischarged bankrupts, holders of judicial/military posts).
Nomination paper with required number of assentors (10 for Parliament).

Age is the only formal barrier for most offices; party selection and electability are practical hurdles.

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United Kingdom