Glossary
This section explains key parliamentary and government terms.
Paid Advocacy
A broad term for using a public position to promote an outside interest in return for payment or reward.
Paid Parliamentary Advice
A prohibited arrangement where an MP provides paid advice on parliamentary strategy, procedure or influence.
Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards
Abbreviation: PCS
The independent House of Commons officer responsible for monitoring the Code of Conduct and registers.
Parliamentary Constituency
Abbreviation: Constituency
A geographical area represented by one MP in the House of Commons.
Party Breakdown
A summary showing how recorded votes are distributed between political parties.
Peer
A member of the House of Lords.
Petition
A formal request asking Parliament or one of its Houses to take action or consider an issue.
Petition Debate
A Westminster Hall debate on issues raised by one or more petitions.
Petitioner
A person or body that submits a petition to Parliament.
Petitions Committee
A Commons committee that considers e-petitions and public petitions.
Poll Card
A card sent to a registered voter with information about where and when to vote.
Polling Day
The day on which voters cast their votes in an election.
Polling Place
The building or location where one or more polling stations are situated.
Polling Station
A place where voters go to cast their vote in person.
Postal Vote
A vote cast by post instead of in person at a polling station.
Prime Minister
Abbreviation: PM
The head of the UK Government.
Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street
Abbreviation: No. 10
The office supporting the Prime Minister and issuing official statements from 10 Downing Street.
Privy Council
A formal body that advises the monarch and handles certain constitutional and legal functions.
Prorogation
The formal end of a parliamentary session.
Proxy Vote
A voting arrangement where someone votes on behalf of another registered voter.
Public Petition
A paper petition presented to the House of Commons by an MP.