Non‑British nationals can stand for certain elections in the UK, but whether they’re eligible depends on citizenship, residency status, and where they live.

UK Parliamentary elections (MPs)

To run for Parliament one must be:

• At least 18 years old, and
• A British citizen,
• OR a citizen of the Republic of Ireland,
• OR a “qualifying Commonwealth citizen” — meaning someone from a Commonwealth country who either doesn’t need residence permission or holds Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK.

Local council, mayoral, and devolved elections (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, England)

In England and Northern Ireland, eligible candidates must be British, Irish, or a qualifying Commonwealth citizen (as above). Some EU citizens may also be eligible in local/assembly/mayoral elections if:

• They are citizens of Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal or Spain, or
• They resided in the UK by 31 December 2020 and have lived continuously since then.

In Scotland and Wales, both devolved governments allow any legally resident foreign national to stand in local and devolved elections (Scottish Parliament, Senedd Cymru), regardless of EU/Commonwealth status.

In summary

Yes, some migrants can stand for public office in the UK—but only if they are:

• British, Irish, or qualifying Commonwealth citizens (especially with ILR), or
• EU or other foreign nationals legally resident in Wales or Scotland, or
• Certain EU nationals in England/Northern Ireland under the post‑Brexit rules tied to residency or specific bilateral agreements. 

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