Overview

This bill establishes a clear process for temporarily replacing the UK Prime Minister in cases of incapacitation. It outlines an order of succession for other government ministers to take over the role until the Prime Minister recovers or a new one is appointed.

Description

The bill addresses the temporary incapacitation of the Prime Minister. It dictates that in such events, the office will be temporarily assumed by another Secretary or Minister of State according to a specified order of succession (detailed below).

Order of Succession

The order of succession is set out in a Schedule to the Act and follows a specific hierarchy of Cabinet positions including the Deputy Prime Minister, First Secretary of State, Chancellor of the Exchequer, and other senior Secretaries of State, progressing down to the Attorney General. Crucially, the replacement must be from the same political party as the incapacitated Prime Minister.

The temporary Prime Minister inherits all the functions and responsibilities of the office and receives the Prime Minister's salary. They are required to relinquish the office upon the recovery of the original Prime Minister or the appointment of a new Prime Minister.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly increase or decrease government spending. The Prime Minister's salary continues to be paid, but it simply transfers to the temporary replacement. No new funding is allocated.

Groups Affected

• The Prime Minister: The bill directly impacts the Prime Minister by providing a mechanism for temporary replacement during incapacitation.
• Cabinet Ministers: The bill affects those named in the order of succession, potentially placing them in the role of acting Prime Minister.
• Government Departments: The bill impacts the operation of government during a period of Prime Ministerial incapacity, potentially requiring adjustments to decision-making processes.
• The Public: The bill aims to ensure continuity of government and minimise disruption during a period of Prime Ministerial incapacity.

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