Voters went to the polls on Thursday to pass verdict on the last five years of Conservative government and decide who they want to run the country. It was the first general election since December 2019, through there have been two changes of prime minister in the meantime. Here’s what to expect over the day to come.
When does the new prime minister take office?
When a party leader wins a majority in an election, they are invited to visit the king and form a new government the morning after the vote. First, the outgoing prime minister travels to Buckingham Palace to tender their resignation. After that, the incoming prime minister heads to the palace to see the king. Then the new prime minister makes the short drive to Downing Street where TV cameras will have crowded outside to record their first speech outside the door of No 10. Meanwhile, senior political staff are ushered into Downing Street via a side door on Horse Guards Parade so they are inside and ready to greet the PM alongside the cabinet secretary and other civil servants.
What does the prime minister’s first day look like?
After addressing the country and being welcomed into 10 Downing Street, the new prime minister receives a set of day-one briefings and formal advice from civil servants. This includes information about national security, the key matters ahead and the immediate decisions that must be made. One of the first tasks for a new prime minister is to write letters to the commanders of the UK’s four nuclear submarines, giving them instructions for what to do in the event of a nuclear strike that wipes out the submarines’ contact with the UK. These replace the previous prime minister’s instructions. Another immediate task is to start appointing ministers, from the cabinet down to the most junior roles, a process that tends to take several days. The most important roles, such as chancellor of the exchequer, are filled first. There are some more prosaic decisions to be made, including about living arrangements. An incoming prime minister is expected to move their family and life into 10 Downing Street just as the outgoing prime minister vacates the building.
When does the new parliament meet?
MPs are due to be sworn in five days after the election has taken place, on Tuesday 9 July. This will be done in order of seniority, and the Commons will elect its new speaker. No substantive parliamentary or legislative business can take place before the first king’s speech, in which the government sets out its priorities and agenda for the parliamentary session. The king’s speech and state opening of parliament are due to be held on Wednesday 17 July.