How to become Prime Minister in the UK

How do you become Prime Minister?

Accessibility icon How to become Prime Minister in the UK

The new Prime Minister of Britain

The British Parliamentary system has evolved over centuries and offers a unique approach to electing its executive head, the Prime Minister.

General elections are held using the «First Past the Post» electoral system across 650 constituencies. Each constituency elects a Member of Parliament (MP) to the House of Commons. The candidate with the most votes in each constituency, not necessarily a majority, becomes its MP.

📷  Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in London, England
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in London, England.
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in London, England.

Absolute majority

Upon conclusion of the elections, the political party or coalition with an absolute majority in the House of Commons (at least 326 seats) is invited by the monarch to form the government. The leader of this majority party or coalition is appointed as the Prime Minister.

Downing street sign, the street of the Prime Minister in London, UK.
Downing street sign, the street of the Prime Minister in London, UK.

Hung parliament

In scenarios where no party gains an outright majority, there can be a hung parliament. Here, parties negotiate to form coalitions, aiming to achieve the required majority.

The leader of the predominant party within this coalition is typically appointed Prime Minister, guiding the nation’s policies, and representing Britain on the global stage.

Houses of Parliament architecture, London, UK
Houses of Parliament architecture, London, UK

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