House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975

Type Public General Act
Publication 1975-05-08
Last updated 2026-03-02
State In force
Department Statute Law Database
articles Not indexed
Reform history JSON API

Disqualification of holders of certain offices and places

1

Ministerial offices

2

Reserve and auxiliary forces, etc.

3

Stewardship of Chiltern Hundreds, etc.

4

For the purposes of the provisions of this Act relating to the vacation of the seat of a member of the House of Commons who becomes disqualified by this Act for membership of that House, the office of steward or bailiff of Her Majesty’s three Chiltern Hundreds of Stoke, Desborough and Burnham, or of the Manor of Northstead, shall be treated as included among the offices described in Part III of Schedule 1 to this Act.

Power to amend Schedule 1

5

Effects of disqualification and provision for relief

6

Jurisdiction of Privy Council as to disqualification

7

and the decision of that Court shall be final.

Relaxation of obligation to accept office

8

Interpretation

9

In this Act—

Saving as to disqualification of priests in holy orders etc.

10

Short title and extent

11

SCHEDULE 1

Part I — Judicial offices

Part II — Bodies of which all members are disqualified

Part III — Other disqualifying offices

Part IV — Offices disqualifying for particular constituencies

SCHEDULE 2

Ministerial offices.

Editorial notes

1

The originating text of this Act on SLD is derived from Reprint No. 12, containing those amendments that were in force on 1.1.1991

2

Act wholly in force at Royal Assent

3

S. 1(1)(za) inserted (11.5.2001) by 2001 c. 13, s. 1, Sch. 1 para. 1

4

S. 1(1)(c) applied (with modifications) (1.7.1992) by Army Act 1992 (c. 39) ss. 3(4), 5 (which applying Act was repealed (28.3.2009 for certain purposes and 31.10.2009 otherwise) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378, 383(2), Sch. 17; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3; S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4).

5

Words in s. 1(1)(c) repealed (28.3.2009 for certain purposes and 31.10.2009 otherwise) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378, 383(2), Sch. 16 para. 67(a), Sch. 17; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3; S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

7

Words in s. 1(1)(e) inserted (30.11.2000) by 2000 c. 42, s. 1

8

Words in s. 1(3) substituted (22.8.1996) by 1996 c. 16, ss. 103(1), 104(1), Sch. 7 para. 24

9

S. 1(3): words in definition of “police authority” substituted (4.11.2001) by 2000 c. 32, 78(1), Sch. 6 para. 3(2); S.R. 2001/396, art. 2, Sch.

10

Words in s. 1(3) substituted (28.3.2009 for certain purposes and 31.10.2009 otherwise) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378(1), 383(2), Sch. 16 para. 67(b); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3; S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

11
12

S. 6(2)-(4) applied (with modifications) (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 7.2.2007 for N.I.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 17(3), 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(d) (subject to art. 6, Sch. 2); S.I. 2007/230, art. 2(1)(2)(a)

13

S. 6(2)-(4) applied (with modifications) (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 1.7.2008 for N.I.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 18(5), 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(e) (subject to art. 6, Sch. 2); S.I. 2008/1316, arts. 2(2), 4(b)

16

S. 7 applied (with modifications) (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 7.2.2007 for N.I.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 17(3), 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(d) (subject to art. 6, Sch. 2); S.I. 2007/230, art. 2(1)(2)(a)

17

S. 7 applied (with modifications) (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 1.7.2008 for N.I.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 18(5), 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(e) (subject to art. 6, Sch. 2); S.I. 2008/1316, arts. 2(2), 4(b)

20

S. 10 repealed (11.5.2001) by 2001 c. 13, s. 1, Sch. 2

21

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 1 inserted (1.10.2009) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), ss. 137(1), 148(1); S.I. 2009/1604, art. 2(c)

22

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 1 substituted (28.3.2009 for certain purposes and 31.10.2009 otherwise) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378(1), 383(2), Sch. 16 para. 68; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in {S.I. 2009/1059}); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

23

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. I substituted (31.8.2000) by 1999 c. 22, s. 78(2), Sch. 11 para. 24 (with s. 107, Sch. 14 para. 7(2)); S.I. 2000/1920, art. 3(a)

26

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 1 omitted (3.11.2008) by virtue of The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/2833), art. 9, Sch. 3 para. 28(2)

27

Entries in Sch. 1 Pt. I inserted (1.9.1992) by Child Support Act 1991 (c. 48), ss. 58(2), 58(13), Sch. 5 para. 3(2) (with s. 9(2)); S.I. 1992/1938, art. 2.

28

Words in entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 1 substituted (17.3.2010) by The House of Commons Disqualification Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/762), art. 2, Sch. para. 4

29

Words in Sch. 1 Pt. I substituted (1.7.1992) by Social Security (Consequential Provisions) Act 1992 (c. 6), ss. 4, 7(2), Sch. 2 para. 16.

31

Words in entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 1 substituted (17.3.2010) by The House of Commons Disqualification Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/762), art. 2, Sch. para. 5

33

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 1 omitted (18.1.2010) by virtue of The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/22), arts. 1(1), 5(1), Sch. 2 para. 3(a)

35

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (14.7.1993) by S.I. 1993/1572, art. 2, Sch. para. 1

37

Entries in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (19.3.1997) by S.I. 1997/861, art. 2, Sch. para. 2

42

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (21.12.1993) by 1993 c. 38, ss. 4, 36(1), Sch. 1 para. 4

43

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (1.4.2001 for W.) by 2000 c. 14, ss. 54, 66, Sch. 1 para. 25; S.I. 2000/2992, art. 2(2), Sch. 2; and that same entry inserted (U.K.) (17.3.2010) by The House of Commons Disqualification Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/762), art. 2, Sch. para. 6

45

Sch. 1 Pt. 2 continues to have effect (16.10.1992) with this entry (originally inserted by Sch. 16 Pt. IV para. 16(2) to the Employment Protection Act 1975 (c. 71)) by virtue of Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (c. 52), ss. 300(2), 302, Sch. 2 para. 4(2)

47

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (27.2.2007) by Charities Act 2006 (c. 50), ss. 6(2), 79(2), Sch. 1 para. 2; S.I. 2007/309, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 4-13)

49

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 43, s. 11, Sch. 2 para. 19; S.I. 2001/919, art. 2(e)

50

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (1.3.2005) by Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), ss. 51(2), 198(2), Sch. 10 para. 17; S.I. 2005/442, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 [Editorial note: the inserting provision is expressed not to extend to N.I. - see s. 198(4)(a) of the amending Act.]

51

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (19.9.1994) by 1994 c. 21, s. 1(6), Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 11 (with ss. 40(7), 66); S.I. 1994/2189, art. 2, Sch.

53

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (18.4.2006) by Equality Act 2006 (c. 3), ss. 2, 93(1), Sch. 1 para. 44(1) (with s. 92); S.I. 2006/1082, art. 2(a)(l)

55

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (26.11.2008) by Climate Change Act 2008 (c. 27), ss. 32(2), 100(1), Sch. 1 para. 30

56

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (1.4.2003) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 12, 279, Sch. 2 para. 10; S.I. 2003/766, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 3)

57

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (1.4.2003) by 2002 c. 40, ss. 13, 279, Sch. 3 Pt. 3 para. 17; S.I. 2003/766, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 3)

59

Sch. 1 Pt. 2 continues to have effect (16.10.1992) with this entry (originally inserted by Sch. 16 Pt. IV para. 16(2) to the Employment Protection Act 1975 (c. 71)) by virtue of Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (c. 52), ss. 300(2), 302, Sch. 2 para. 4(2)

60

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (1.1.1997) by 1995 c. 35, s. 29(1), Sch. 2 para. 10; S.I. 1996/3149, art. 3

63

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 158, Sch. 21 para. 3(a) (with s. 156(6)); S.I. 2001/222, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (subject to Sch. 1 Pt. II)

64

Sch. 1 Pt. 2 continues to have effect (16.10.1992) with this entry (originally inserted by Sch. 16 Pt. IV para. 16(2) to the Employment Protection Act 1975 (c. 71)) by virtue of Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (c. 52), ss. 300(2), 302, Sch. 2 para. 4(2)

66

Entries in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (28.7.1995) by 1995 c. 25, s. 120(1), Sch. 22 para. 31 (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117); S.I. 1995/1983, art. 2

67

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (2.8.1999) by 1998 c. 47, s. 73(5), Sch. 8 para. 9 (with s. 95); S.I. 1999/2204, art. 2

69

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (11.1.2000) by 1999 c. 28, s. 2(4), Sch. 1 para. 7(1) (with s. 38); S.I. 2000/92, art. 2(f)

70

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 substituted (1.10.2005) by Gambling Act 2005 (c. 19), ss. 356(1), 358(1), Sch. 16 para. 7 (with ss. 352, 354, Sch. 16 para. 21); S.I. 2005/2455, art. 2(1), Sch.

71

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (1.11.2000) by 2000 c. 27, s. 108, Sch. 6 Pt. III para. 45; S.I. 2000/2917, art. 2, Sch.

75

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (1.4.2005) by Human Tissue Act 2004 (c. 30), ss. 13(2), 60(2), Sch. 2 para. 25 (with ss. 37(7), 58); S.I. 2005/919, art. 3, Sch. (with transitional provision in art. 2)

76

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (26.10.2009) by Parliamentary Standards Act 2009 (c. 13), ss. 3(2), 14, Sch. 1 para. 8(1) (with ss. 1, 2(1)); S.I. 2009/2612, art. 2

78

Words in entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 substituted (17.3.2010) by The House of Commons Disqualification Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/762), art. 2, Sch. para. 8

80

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (7.3.2008) by Legal Services Act 2007 (c. 29), ss. 2(2), 211(2); Sch. 1 para. 30(1) (with ss. 29, 192, 193); S.I. 2008/222. {art. 2(b)(h)}

82

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (1.11.1998) by 1998 c. 39, s. 8, Sch. 1 para. 5(1)(a)(2) (with s. 36); S.I. 1998/2574, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

84
86

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (2.5.2006 for E.W.) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), ss. 105(1), 107(8), Sch. 11 para. 60(2); S.I. 2006/1176. {art. 4}

87

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (15.6.2005) by 2002 c. 26, ss. 3, 87, Sch. 2 para. 18; S.R. 2005/281, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 (subject to art. 3(2)(3))

88

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (16.4.2007) by 2002 c. 26, ss. 50, 87, Sch. 9 para. 13; S.R. 2007/237, {art, 2}, Sch.

91

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (27.7.2004) by Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), ss. 2(10), 198(2), Sch. 1 para. 16; S.I. 2004/1973, art. 2, Sch.

92

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (1.7.2002) by 2002 c. 11, s. 1, Sch. para. 21; S.I. 2002/1483, art. 2

93
96

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (16.2.1998) by 1998 c. 2, s. 18(1), Sch. 3 para. 1 (with s. 19(4))

97

Words in entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 omitted (14.7.1993) by virtue of S.I. 1993/1572, art. 2, Sch. para. 3(1)

98

Words in entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 omitted (14.7.1993) by virtue of S.I. 1993/1572, art. 2, Sch. para. 3(2)

99

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (17.12.2004) by Pensions Act 2004 (c. 35), ss. 109, 322(1), Sch. 5 para. 26 (with s. 313); S.I. 2004/3350, art. 2, Sch.

100

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (17.12.2004) by Pensions Act 2004 (c. 35), ss. 3, 322(1), Sch. 1 para. 31(a) (with s. 313); S.I. 2004/3350, art. 2, Sch.

102

Words in entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 substituted (27.5.1997) by 1997 c. 11, ss. 4, 6(2), Sch. 2 para. 25 (with s. 5, Sch. 3)

104

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (7.11.2000) by 2000 c. 27, s. 108, Sch. 6 Pt. III para. 45; S.I. 2000/2974, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-12)

111

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (1.1.1998) by 1997 c. 48, s. 62(1), Sch. 1 para. 5; S.I. 1997/3004, art. 2, Sch.

113

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (27.11.1991) by Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991 (c. 28), s. 27, Sch. 10 para. 8; S.I. 1991/2633, art. 3, Sch. [Editorial note: the inserting provision is expressed to extend only to E.W.S. - see s. 28(4)(5) of the amending Act.]

116

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (17.12.1992) by Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1992 (c. 60), s. 8(1)

117

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (1.4.2003, and further commenced on 6.7.2006 for S. and 1.5.2009 for N.I.) by 2001 c. 12, ss. 1, Sch. 1 para. 21; S.I. 2002/3125, art. 3(d); S.S.I. 2006/382, art. 3(a); S.I. 2009/1058, art. 3(a)(v)

118

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 406(1), 411(2), Sch. 17 para. 48 (with transitional provisions in Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

123

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (2.10.2000) by 2000 c. 23, s. 65, Sch. 3 para. 6 (with s. 82(3)); S.I. 2000/2543, art. 3

124

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (2.8.1999) by 1998 c. 47, s. 91(1), Sch. 11 para. 10 (with s. 95); S.I. 1999/2204, art. 5

128

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (1.4.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 220(1), 245(5), Sch. 16 para. 1; S.I. 2008/917, art. 2(1)(s)(x)

129

Entry in Sch. 1 Pt. 2 inserted (1.4.2004) by Local Government Act 2003 (c. 26), ss. 105, 128, Sch. 4 para. 23; S.I. 2003/2938, art. 6(a) (subject to art. 8, Sch.)

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