Independent politician

An independent politician is a Member of Parliament or candidate who does not belong to a political party. Independents stand for election on their own platform and vote as they see fit, without a party whip telling them how.

Standing as an independent

Any member can stand for a seat in the House of Commons as an independent at a general election or by-election run by the Electoral Commission. Without a party's organisation and supporters behind them, independents usually find it harder to win, but those who do are often well known in their constituency and trusted for their independence.

In Parliament

An independent MP is free to judge every vote on its merits. In a close House of Commons, where the government's majority is small, independents can hold the balance of power, and their votes can decide whether a bill passes.