Overview

This bill proposes significant changes to the appointment of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in the UK. It would grant the House of Commons the power to nominate the Prime Minister and approve Cabinet appointments, introducing an "Acting Prime Minister" role to handle situations where the Prime Minister is incapacitated or unavailable.

Description

The bill outlines a process where the House of Commons nominates the Prime Minister within a specified timeframe (the "nomination period") following a "qualifying event" such as a general election or the resignation of the incumbent. The Speaker then recommends this nominee to the Monarch for appointment. Failure to nominate within 28 days triggers an early general election.

Acting Prime Minister

The bill creates the role of Acting Prime Minister, who can be appointed from the Cabinet in various scenarios: if the Prime Minister resigns, is incapacitated, dies, or leaves the House of Commons. The Acting Prime Minister serves until a new Prime Minister is appointed or the original Prime Minister resumes their duties.

Cabinet Appointments

The Prime Minister can appoint Cabinet members, but only after the House of Commons approves each appointment through a motion. Cabinet members serve at the pleasure of the Monarch and can be removed by the Prime Minister.

Consequential Provisions

The bill allows the Secretary of State to make regulations to adjust existing laws to reflect the changes introduced by this Act.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify changes to government spending. Any potential costs would likely relate to administrative changes required to implement the new nomination and appointment procedures. No figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• House of Commons: Gains significant influence over the selection of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
• Prime Minister: Power is reduced as their selection is now subject to the approval of the House of Commons.
• Cabinet Members: Appointments are now subject to parliamentary approval.
• Monarch: Role is modified as their power of appointment is now subject to the nomination process by Parliament.
• The Public: May experience a shift in the balance of power within the UK political system.

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