Ban anyone convicted of serious criminal offences from standing in elections

Background

People with serious criminal convictions are allowed to stand for election for councillor after five years and once they leave prison, for MP. This includes terrorism, violence, sexual offences and fraud. We believe public office is a privilege, not a right, and should meet higher moral standards.

Additional details

Many public roles — including police, teachers and security-cleared civil servants — permanently exclude people with serious criminal convictions. We feel elected politicians currently face a lower standard. This petition calls for permanent disqualification from elected office for anyone imprisoned for terrorism, violence, sexual offences, violence against women and girls, or serious fraud, whether in the UK or abroad.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.