Dame Penny Mordaunt has confirmed she has been cleared to stand as a Conservative candidate at the next General Election, opening the door to a return to the House of Commons after losing her Portsmouth North seat in 2024.
The former Leader of the House of Commons and Defence Secretary said she had received a “full pass from the candidates committee” and was now waiting to see which constituencies she could apply to contest.
Mordaunt said: “I'm waiting to see what seats I can go for. But I have a full pass from the candidates committee.”
The development means Mordaunt has successfully passed the Conservative Party's approval process for prospective parliamentary candidates. It does not mean she has yet been selected as the Conservative candidate for a particular constituency.
Mordaunt cleared for potential Commons comeback
Mordaunt was one of the most prominent Conservative casualties of the 2024 General Election, losing Portsmouth North to Labour after representing the constituency for 14 years.
She had first entered Parliament in 2010 and went on to hold a series of senior government positions, including Defence Secretary, International Development Secretary, Paymaster General and Leader of the House of Commons.
She also became one of the best-known figures in the Conservative Party after carrying the Sword of State during the Coronation of King Charles III in 2023.
Her defeat in Portsmouth North temporarily ended a parliamentary career which had also included two attempts to become Conservative leader in 2022.
Former MPs forced to reapply
Mordaunt's approval follows a more rigorous Conservative candidate-selection process introduced under Kemi Badenoch.
Former Conservative MPs seeking to return to Parliament have been required to reapply rather than receiving automatic approval because of their previous service.
Reports in August said Mordaunt was among several former MPs waiting for a decision after completing the party's assessment process.
That process reportedly included an initial interview and a lengthy assessment day, while the party leadership has insisted former ministers and MPs would receive no special treatment.
A Conservative spokesman said at the time that applicants were being treated “equally and fairly”, regardless of whether they were new candidates or former cabinet ministers.
Mordaunt previously said she wanted to return
The latest development follows Mordaunt's previous declaration that she wanted another opportunity to serve in Parliament.
In February 2025 she confirmed publicly that she intended to try to return to the Commons, telling PoliticsHome: “I have previously said I would like to return to the Commons, and I will try and do some good in the meantime.”
She had also joked privately that, like Donald Trump, she was “up for a second stint”.
Her new confirmation means the internal party hurdle has now been cleared, although she must still secure the nomination of a local Conservative association before appearing on a General Election ballot as the party's candidate.
Which seat could Penny Mordaunt contest?
Mordaunt has not announced which constituency she intends to seek.
Her former Portsmouth North seat is currently held by Labour after Amanda Martin defeated Mordaunt by 780 votes at the 2024 election.
However, Mordaunt's statement that she is waiting to see “what seats I can go for” indicates she is considering the available constituencies rather than confirming a return to Portsmouth North.
The Conservatives have begun identifying constituencies in which approved candidates can seek selection ahead of the next General Election.
Passing the national candidates committee is therefore an important step towards Mordaunt's potential return, but the final decision over where — and whether — she stands will depend on the party's constituency selection process.
Next General Election could be held before 2029
There is currently no confirmed date for the next UK General Election.
The present Parliament first met on 9 July 2024. If no early election is called, Parliament would automatically dissolve in July 2029, with the election required shortly afterwards.
The Prime Minister can, however, request an earlier dissolution.