Recall Petition

By /

A process that can lead to an MP losing their seat and a by-election being held.

Category: Parliament and elections Parliamentary procedure

Also used as: recall petitions, MP recall petition, recall process

Source / explainer: Browse the UK Parliament glossary

Last reviewed: 22 August 2026

A recall petition is a process through which voters in a constituency may be asked whether an MP should lose their seat after certain triggering conditions have been met. If the petition reaches the required threshold, the seat becomes vacant and a by-election is held. A recall petition is not the same as an ordinary petition asking Parliament to consider an issue.

Related terms

By-electionAn election held to fill a seat that becomes vacant between general elections.Member of ParliamentAn elected representative who sits in the House of Commons.Parliamentary ConstituencyA geographical area represented by one MP in the House of Commons.PetitionA formal request asking Parliament or one of its Houses to take action or consider an issue.Recall of MPs Act 2015The Act setting out when a recall petition can be opened for an MP.Suspension from the HouseA sanction preventing an MP from sitting in the House for a specified period.
Scroll to Top