Is it true that anyone aged 21 or over can stand for election as an MP?
To be eligible to stand for election as a Member of Parliament in the UK, you need to meet certain criteria, primarily related to age and citizenship. The age requirement is a key point here. The law states that you must be at least 18 years old on the day of your nomination to be an MP. This age was lowered from 21 to 18 in 2006, reflecting a broader trend of enfranchising younger citizens. While 21 might seem like a reasonable age of maturity, the UK decided that 18-year-olds, who can vote, enter contracts, and serve in the military, should also have the right to stand for election. So, the statement that you need to be 21 or over is incorrect. This change allows younger people to bring their perspectives and experiences to the political arena, potentially leading to a more representative Parliament.
You need to be 18 or over to run for MP, not 21.