Overview

This bill proposes significant changes to how the UK Prime Minister and Cabinet are appointed. It would give the House of Commons the power to nominate the Prime Minister and approve Cabinet appointments, creating a more parliamentary process for forming a government. It also establishes the office of Acting Prime Minister to handle situations where the Prime Minister is unavailable.

Description

Prime Minister Nomination

The House of Commons will nominate the Prime Minister within a 28-day period following a qualifying event (general election, resignation, vacancy, or the PM ceasing to be an MP). If no nominee is chosen within this time, a snap general election is triggered. The Speaker recommends the Commons' nominee to the Monarch for appointment.

Acting Prime Minister

The bill creates the role of Acting Prime Minister, who can be appointed by the Monarch from the Cabinet. This role is to be filled in cases of incapacity, death, resignation of the Prime Minister, or the PM ceasing to be an MP. The Acting Prime Minister serves until a new Prime Minister is appointed or the original Prime Minister resumes duties.

Cabinet Appointment

The Prime Minister can appoint Cabinet members with the Monarch's approval, but only after the House of Commons approves each appointment via a motion. Cabinet members serve at the Monarch's pleasure and can be removed by the Prime Minister, resign, or lose their position if they cease to be an MP (other than due to Parliament dissolution).

Consequential Provisions

The Secretary of State can make regulations to adapt existing laws to reflect the changes introduced by the bill, such as replacing instances of "Prime Minister" with "Prime Minister or Acting Prime Minister" in relevant legislation. These regulations require parliamentary approval.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify any changes to government spending. The costs associated with implementing the new processes for nominating and appointing the Prime Minister and Cabinet are likely to be relatively minor.

Groups Affected

• House of Commons: Gains significant influence over the appointment of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
• The Monarch: Their role in appointing the Prime Minister and Cabinet will be modified to incorporate the House of Commons' nomination and approval.
• Prime Minister: Their appointment becomes subject to the House of Commons' approval.
• Cabinet Members: Their appointment becomes subject to House of Commons approval.
• Political Parties: Will need to adapt their strategies for forming a government.
• The Public: Could experience a change in government formation processes and potentially increased parliamentary scrutiny of the executive.

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