Overview

This bill establishes a clear order of succession for temporarily replacing the UK Prime Minister in cases of incapacitation. It ensures the smooth continuation of government functions if the Prime Minister is unable to perform their duties, preventing a power vacuum.

Description

The Prime Minister (Temporary Replacement) Bill outlines a process for appointing a temporary replacement for the Prime Minister if they become incapacitated (either temporarily or permanently). The replacement will be selected from a pre-determined list of Cabinet members (see below) according to a defined order of succession. The replacement will inherit the Prime Minister's salary and all their responsibilities and functions. Importantly, the replacement must belong to the same political party as the incapacitated Prime Minister. The bill applies to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and comes into effect immediately upon passing.

Order of Succession:

1. Deputy Prime Minister
2. First Secretary of State
3. Chancellor of the Exchequer
4. Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
5. Secretary of State for Home Affairs
6. Lord Chancellor
7. Secretary of State for Defence
8. Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
9. Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
10. President of the Board of Trade
11. Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
12. Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
13. Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
14. Secretary of State for Transport
15. Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
16. Secretary of State for Scotland
17. Secretary of State for Wales
18. Lord Privy Seal
19. Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
20. Minister without Portfolio
21. Chief Secretary to the Treasury
22. Lord President of the Council
23. Chief Whip
24. Attorney General

Government Spending

The bill will not directly increase or decrease overall government spending. The Prime Minister's salary will simply be transferred to the individual temporarily filling the role.

Groups Affected

• The UK Government: The bill ensures the continuity of government function in the event of the Prime Minister's incapacitation.
• Cabinet Ministers: The bill establishes a clear line of succession, impacting the potential responsibilities of senior government figures.
• The Public: The bill aims to ensure stability and the continued functioning of government services in a critical situation.

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