Overview

This bill establishes a clear order of succession for temporarily or permanently incapacitated Prime Ministers. It ensures the smooth transfer of power to a designated cabinet member from the same political party, maintaining governmental stability during such crises.

Description

This bill outlines a process for appointing a temporary Prime Minister if the incumbent becomes incapacitated. The order of succession is strictly defined in Schedule 1, prioritizing cabinet members based on their seniority and designated responsibilities.

Order of Succession:

The order of succession, as listed in Schedule 1, begins with the Deputy Prime Minister and proceeds through various Secretaries of State (Home Affairs, Defence, Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, etc.), followed by other senior Ministers, including the Leader of the House of Commons and the Attorney General.

Eligibility:

Only a Secretary or Minister of State from the same political party as the incapacitated Prime Minister can assume the role.

Responsibilities and Salary:

The temporarily appointed Prime Minister assumes all functions and responsibilities of the office, including receiving the associated salary under the Ministerial and other Salaries Act 1975.

Extent of the Act:

The Act applies to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly increase or decrease government spending. The salary of the Prime Minister would simply be transferred to the individual temporarily filling the role.

Groups Affected

• The UK Government: The bill ensures continuity of government in the event of a Prime Minister's incapacitation.
• Cabinet Members: The bill explicitly affects the order of succession for cabinet members, outlining their potential roles and responsibilities in a crisis.
• Political Parties: The requirement for the successor to be from the same political party as the incapacitated Prime Minister ensures party stability.
• The Public: The bill aims to maintain public trust and stability by ensuring a smooth transition of power in times of crisis.

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