What is the maximum duration an MP can hold their seat before re-election?

Members of Parliament (MPs) in the UK can hold their seat for a maximum duration of five years before they must seek re-election. This five-year term is established by the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011, which set the standard parliamentary term at five years, although there are provisions that can allow for earlier elections under specific circumstances.

While it is possible for an election to be called sooner, the maximum uninterrupted period that an MP can serve in the House of Commons without requiring a re-election is indeed five years. This framework helps ensure that MPs are accountable to their constituents regularly, as regular elections allow voters to have a say on their representatives.