In May 2024, to everyone’s surprise, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced snap elections for July 4. Now, this means electing members of the House of Commons, who will then determine the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The Conservative Party, which has been in power for 14 years, is facing a tough challenge from the Labour Party.
The prime minister of the United Kingdom is the head of government, responsible for advising the sovereign on the exercise of the royal prerogative, chairing the Cabinet, and selecting his or her ministers.
How is the new Prime Minister elected?
- General elections are held in Britain to elect Members of Parliament to represent their constituencies.
- The political party with a majority in the House of Commons usually forms the government.
- The leader of the party that gets the most seats becomes the Prime Minister.
- The monarch (currently King Charles III) formally appoints the prime minister, who is usually the leader of the party with the most seats.
- The prime minister must maintain the confidence of the House of Commons, meaning they must have the support of a majority of MPs.
- If the Prime Minister loses the confidence of the House or his party loses a general election, he may resign or a new Prime Minister may be appointed in his place.
- The post of Prime Minister is not established by any law or constitutional document, but exists according to a long-standing tradition.
Responsibilities of the Prime Minister
The prime minister of the United Kingdom heads the government and cabinet, leads a major political party and usually controls a majority in the House of Commons. The position exercises significant legislative and executive powers.
The prime minister has many responsibilities, including serving as First Lord of the Treasury, Minister for the Civil Service, Minister for National Security, and Minister for the Union. The prime minister’s official residence and office is 10 Downing Street in London.
The prime minister’s main responsibilities include guiding legislation in the House of Commons, appointing and managing Cabinet members and ministers, and coordinating government departments and the civil service. The prime minister also represents the UK at home and abroad, and serves as the public face and voice of Her Majesty’s Government.
The prime minister also advises the sovereign, and plays a central and influential role in the UK government. This includes appointing judges, officials and religious leaders, as well as granting honours and peerages.
Fifty-seven people have been Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, of whom Robert Walpole was the first (1721) and longest-serving (over 20 years), while Liz Truss was the shortest-serving Prime Minister (seven weeks).
polling day
Voters will be able to vote in person at polling places on July 4 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., or vote early by mail.
Photo ID will be required to vote in person, a first for a U.K. general election. After voting ends at 10 p.m., an exit poll will be announced based on surveys of voters in about 150 constituencies across England, Scotland and Wales.
