Most people show their commitment through campaigning and volunteering for their party.

You could also:

• serve as a local councillor
• be active in a trade union
• get involved in student politics
• work as a researcher or caseworker for an existing MP

Contact your local councillors or your student office to ask about opportunities to volunteer with them.

To become an MP, you have to be elected in a byelection or general election. You can stand for election as a member of a political party or as an independent candidate.

Each political party has its own selection procedure. Usually, you'll need to get the support of your party's nominating officer before you can become a candidate.

During an election, you'll be expected to campaign in public and online, attend meetings, make speeches and talk to the local media. You'll find it helpful to have some experience in one or more of these areas.

You'll need:

• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• an understanding of society and culture
• excellent verbal communication skills
• analytical thinking skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• persistence and determination
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• be over 18 years of age
• be a UK, Republic of Ireland or Commonwealth citizen

To stand for election, you'll need to be nominated by at least 10 electors from the constituency you wish to represent. You also need to pay a £500 deposit which you get back if you get more than 5% of the total votes in your constituency.

Some people are not allowed to be an MP, for example someone convicted of electoral fraud. You can find out more from the Electoral Commission.

As an MP, you'll attend sessions in Parliament to:

• vote on new laws and policies
• raise constituents’ concerns with ministers
• debate issues and ask questions

Outside Parliament, you'll:

• talk to businesses and schools about local, national and international issues
• speak to the media
• attend meetings and conferences
• hold advice sessions in your constituency

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and you may spend nights away from home.