DISSOLUTION OF PARLIAMENT

On Monday 12th April 2010 Parliament will officially dissovle.

Dissolution is the official term for the end of a Parliament. A Parliament can last for up to five years and is dissolved by Royal Proclamation followed by a general election.

When Parliament is dissolved every seat in the House of Commons becomes vacant and MPs immediately revert to being members of the general public.

Until a new Parliament is elected, MPs do not exist. Those who wish to re-apply must stand again for election as candidates in their constituencies.