People in every region of the United Kingdom have the chance to select their MP and prime minister in the upcoming election. In the House of Commons, the chosen MP will serve as a local representative of their constituency for a maximum of five years.
The next general election will be held on July 4, meaning there is less than four weeks to go.
National vote intention polls indicate that Labour is ahead of the Conservatives by about 20 points, indicating that the UK's main opposition party is likely to win a sizeable majority.
But when does the new prime minister take office and what happens to losing MPs? Here’s what we know.
When does the new prime minister take office after an election?
The new prime minister will take office when Parliament returns for business, which is not yet known.
How long does it take to get a new parliament up and running?
It differs.
This is dependent in part on when Parliament is scheduled to convene after an election and how long it takes for it to complete certain formalities before it can convene and conduct business. Regarding how long any of this takes, there are no official guidelines.
Parliament usually begins business around a week after an election.
As a guide, here a few example of past elections. 2019: two working days between election day (December 12) and Parliament’s return (December 17)
2017: two working days between election day (June 8) and Parliament’s return (June 13)
2015: seven working days between election day (May 7) and Parliament’s return (May 18).
The first tasks for the Commons is to choose a speaker and finish swearing in MPs and peers. Following these events, a King's speech can be given, and then there can be a discussion about the speech (basically, a discussion about the speech's content).
This is the first opportunity for a new government to show that it has the support of MPs, as well as the first substantive item that Parliament will debate.
What happens to the losing MPs?
They receive a certain amount of money known as the Winding Up budget. It helps former MPs afford their living expenses after their salary ends until the next election. Depending on their age and duration of service, MPs who have served for two years or more may also be eligible for a Loss of Office Payment, which is double the amount they get in the event of their dismissal.
Any staff members of an MP who loses their seat are simply made redundant.
How are government ministers appointed?
The prime minister appoints ministers from among the members of the House of Commons and House of Lords. They bear accountability for the decisions and deeds of their divisions.
