Motion for a New Writ - Project Open Gov

A Commons motion used to start the formal process for filling a vacant parliamentary seat.

Category: Parliament and elections Parliamentary procedure

Also used as: new writ motion, motion for new writ, motion for a writ, new Writ motion

Source / explainer: Read the UK Parliament explainer on by-elections

Last reviewed: 21 August 2026

A motion for a new writ is a Commons motion used to begin the formal process for filling a vacant parliamentary seat. If the House agrees, the Speaker can issue a warrant and the Clerk of the Crown can make out the writ for a by-election. It is a key procedural step in many by-election explanations.

Related terms

By-electionAn election held to fill a seat that becomes vacant between general elections.Clerk of the CrownThe official involved in issuing election writs for parliamentary elections.Member of ParliamentAn elected representative who sits in the House of Commons.Speaker’s WarrantThe formal instruction from the Speaker that leads to a new writ for a Commons by-election.Writ of ElectionThe formal document that authorises an election to fill a seat in the House of Commons.