VIDEO: Justin Tomlinson MP Taking The Parliamentary Oath

Justin Tomlinson has been officially sworn in as North Swindon's Member of Parliament for a third time at a ceremony in Parliament. 

Members of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords are required to take an oath of allegiance to the Crown before they take their seats in Parliament after a general election. This process is known as swearing in. Oaths of allegiance to the Crown are fairly common in British public life and are similar to those in other countries where a declaration of loyalty is made to the state. Members of both Houses of Parliament are required by law to take an oath of allegiance to the Crown on taking their seat in Parliament. Until the oath or affirmation is taken, an MP may not take their seat, speak in debates or vote.

The wording of the oath is prescribed by the Promissory Oaths Act 1868. The form and manner of administering the oath are set out in the Oaths Act 1978. An MP takes the oath by holding the sacred text in his or her uplifted hand and says the words of the oath.