Newsnight tonight - looking at the leadership path of the uk

Jedi boro

Jedi boro

Well-known member
Saying that after the PM who is “primus inter pares”, every other minister is on an equal footing, unlike in other systems like the us etc.

So if the pm can’t fulfil his role for a sustained period of time then dominic raab can’t justifiably just take over this role for any prolonged period as our system doesn’t work like that.

strange times.
 
Chamberlain asked the King to allow Churchill to lead the government. It could have been anyone, not necessarily the leader of a party.
 
My understanding of the constitution is that our system is entirely dependent on there being a serving Prime Minister in place and capable of fulfiling their duties. If Johnson is incapacitated for more than just a few days, I suspect that the Queen would need to appoint a new PM (until, hopefully, Johnson has recovered sufficiently to resume the role).

In that circumstance, I would imagine that the Cabinet would meet to agree who that should be. It may well be Raab, but it could also be someone else, such as Gove or Sunak (probably a bit early for him).
 
Just watching the recording. Johnathan Powell just said "someone has to look after the nuclear button" . 😲 Shakes head and walks away.
Thought that was the Americans anyway.
 
Let’s not forget as well that there is no such title as prime minister that is just a name that has evolved over time as his real title is first lord of the treasury ( as stated on the door at no 10).

it’s times like this when our “constitution” (or lack there of) comes into play, as a lack of a formal structure (codified at least) can leave huge gaps in the process.

The office of Prime Minister is not established by any statute or constitutional document but exists only by long-established convention, whereby the reigning monarch appoints as prime minister the person most likely to command the confidence of the House of Commons
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Who knows? She may be in another castle by now, particularly if she thinks Dom may come knocking.
 
Raab is good enough to get us through the remainder of this year provided Boris starts to make a recovery.
If the worst happens I would rather see DR as permanent PM than Gove.
 
How would it be any different than if the PM resigned, like Cameron did? Appoint a temporary leader until you can hold a leadership contest which is just a Tory party issue. If they can all agree up front, or only one person stands as it ended up for May then that is it.

Talks of appointing May, Brown or Blair, none of which could command a majority, is madness.

I don't rate Raab at all but he doesn't have to make any ideological cuts or choices in the short term. Just do whatever the NHS needs which is Hancock's job anyway and keep the economy going which is Sunak's job. All he has to do is not press the big red button.
 
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