Why Britain is getting a new prime minister without a general election

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. resignation / ˌrɛz ɪgˈneɪ ʃən / (n.) – the act of officially leaving a job or position, usually by saying that you will no longer continue in that role
    Example:

    The manager announced his resignation after working at the company for 20 years.


  2. secure / sɪˈkjʊər / (v.) – to get, obtain, or achieve something, especially something important
    Example:

    Hannah secured enough votes to become the new class leader.


  3. go-ahead / goʊ əˌhɛd / (n.) – a permission or approval to start doing something
    Example:

    The company waited for the government’s go-ahead before building the new factory.


  4. mar / mɑr / (v.) – to damage or spoil something, especially something that was good, beautiful, or successful
    Example:

    Our vacation was marred by bad weather and heavy rain.


  5. notably / ˈnəʊ tə blɪ / (adv.) – used to mention something that is different, surprising, or worth paying attention to
    Example:

    She improved in many areas, notably her English speaking skills.


Article

Read the text below.

Veteran Labour Party politician and popular former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham became Britain’s prime minister in July, formally taking over from Keir Starmer, who announced his resignation last June.


Burnham was the only candidate to secure enough support from his fellow Labour lawmakers to replace Starmer as leader of the governing party. Because Labour holds a majority in government, its leader also becomes the U.K. prime minister.


Burnham received support from 349 out of 401 Labour Party lawmakers and was announced Labour leader at a special party conference. He didn’t officially become prime minister right away, though—that happened when he met King Charles III at Buckingham Palace for a formal go-ahead.


Britain’s parliamentary democracy allows governing parties to change leaders midterm, with the winner becoming prime minister without the need for a general election. Prime ministers can be replaced if one has resigned as leader of their party, or been forced out by a leadership challenge. The next national election does not have to be held until 2029, five years from the last election in 2024.


Starmer announced he was quitting as Labour leader on June 22 after barely two years in power, ending a tenure marred by a series of political missteps—most notably his decision to appoint a man with close ties to the controversial figure Jeffrey Epstein as Britain’s ambassador to the United States. Heavy losses suffered by Labour in a midterm set of local elections in May prompted many lawmakers to demand Starmer’s resignation. And when Burnham—favored by many within Labour to lead the party and the country—won a special election for a seat in Parliament, Starmer gave in to the mounting pressure to quit.


His resignation automatically triggered a Labour leadership contest. Under Labour rules, a lawmaker can challenge the leader if they have the backing of a fifth of the party’s House of Commons lawmakers. There was no other contestant other than Burnham, who comfortably surpassed that threshold.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • In the U.K.’s parliamentary system, a governing party can replace its leader during a term, and the new leader can become prime minister without a general election. Do you think it is fair for a country to get a new prime minister without citizens voting again? Why or why not? In your opinion, what should matter more when choosing a national leader: the opinion of elected lawmakers or the opinion of the general public? Why do you say so? Discuss.
  • Keir Starmer resigned as Labour leader after political problems and pressure from lawmakers following disappointing election results and criticism of his decisions. In your opinion, should leaders resign because of unpopular decisions, or only because of serious mistakes? Why do you say so? When do you think it is time for a leader to step down instead of trying to stay in power? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Andy Burnham was described as a veteran politician and a popular former mayor before becoming prime minister. Do you think experienced leaders are usually better than newer leaders? Why or why not? Besides political experience, what qualities do you think people should look for in a national leader? Discuss.
  • The U.K. system allows a prime minister to be replaced between elections through party processes rather than a national vote. Do you think elections are the only way for citizens to have a voice in a democracy? Why or why not? What other ways can ordinary people influence political leaders between elections? Discuss.