How is a Prime Minister appointed?
The Monarch appoints a Prime Minister under the royal prerogative, although the process is a very private event.
UK Parliament and government
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How is a government formed?
The Prime Minister advises the Monarch who should become members of the government. By convention, ministers will be MPs or members of the House of Lords.
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How is a Speaker elected?
Business cannot begin in the House of Commons until it has elected one of its MPs to be Speaker – its presiding officer.
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How are life peers created?
Most members of the House of Lords are life peers, rather than hereditary peers or Lords Spiritual. What is the process for creating new life peerages?
Devolved executives
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How is a Welsh First Minister appointed?
On 6 August 2024, the Senedd Cymru will be asked to nominate a new First Minister. This will likely be the new Welsh Labour leader, Eluned Morgan.
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How is a First Minister of Scotland appointed?
A new First Minister must be nominated by the Scottish Parliament. If a new First Minister cannot be chosen, then an “extraordinary” general election will take place.
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How is a Northern Ireland Executive formed?
The Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive have not been fully functioning since February 2022. The Democratic Unionist Party has now endorsed a deal to restore power-sharing.
Other UK institutions
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How is a new Archbishop of Canterbury chosen?
A new Archbishop of Canterbury will be appointed following the resignation of Justin Welby on 12 November 2024. Timings are yet to be confirmed.
