What to expect when the UK changes prime minister
When there is a clear opposition victory in Britain, the transfer of power happens with lightning speed.
The Cabinet Manualwhich sets out the official guidelines for the process, states that “the incumbent prime minister and the government will immediately resign and the monarch will invite the leader of the party that won the election to form a government.”
“Immediately” means Friday morning in practice. The result in Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s northern England constituency, where he retained his seat, was announced shortly before 5 a.m. local time. He was on a flight back to London shortly after.
Outgoing prime ministers traditionally pose with their families for a final series of photographs in Downing Street, their home and workplace while in office.
Mr Sunak is expected to make a final speech in Downing Street at around 10.30am local time (5.30am Eastern Time).
This is followed by a short drive to Buckingham Palace, usually followed by news helicopters, for a private abdication with the monarch, the current King Charles III.
The next prime minister, Keir Starmer, is likely to follow shortly. In 2016, according to the House of Commons LibraryThe car of new leader, Theresa May, arrived at the palace 32 seconds after her predecessor, David Cameron, had left.
The appointment of a new leader also takes place in the form of a private meeting with the king, usually immediately after the abdication. It is known as “kissing hands”, although it involves little ceremony and no kissing.
Expect a photographed handshake, followed by another speech from the Prime Minister in Downing Street, this time from Mr Starmer. That is expected at around 12.20pm local time.
Standard procedure is for the new Prime Minister to move into 10 Downing Street almost immediately, where he is cheered on arrival by the permanent civil service.
Mr. Starmer will then appoint other ministers. There is usually little suspense: British opposition parties maintain a “shadow cabinet” of candidates for government positions. Labour has told British news outlets that Mr. Starmer expects to announce his full cabinet around 8 p.m. (3 p.m. Eastern Time).
Further junior appointments are expected on Saturday, with a lunch break while the England men’s team take on Switzerland in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
