Pairing

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An arrangement where two MPs from opposing sides agree not to vote so their absences balance out.

Category: Parliamentary procedure Votes and divisions

Also used as: pair, paired, paired MPs, pairing arrangement, pairing arrangements

Source / explainer: Read the UK Parliament glossary entry on pairing

Last reviewed: 21 August 2026

Pairing is an arrangement where two MPs from opposing sides agree not to vote in a division so that their absences balance each other. It is usually organised through parties and can affect how absences should be understood. A division record does not always reveal whether a non-voting MP was paired.

Related terms

AbstentionA decision not to vote for either side, or a broader description of not recording a vote.DivisionA formal vote in Parliament where members are counted for each side.Member of ParliamentAn elected representative who sits in the House of Commons.WhipA party official responsible for organising party discipline and voting in Parliament.
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