How is a government formed?
The Prime Minister advises the Monarch who should become members of the government. By convention, ministers will be MPs or members of the House of Lords.
UK Parliament and government
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How is a Speaker elected?
Business cannot begin in the House of Commons until it has elected one of its MPs to be Speaker – its presiding officer.
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How are life peers created?
Most members of the House of Lords are life peers, rather than hereditary peers or Lords Spiritual. What is the process for creating new life peerages?
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Who is the Cabinet Secretary and how are they appointed?
The Cabinet Secretary is the Head of the Home Civil Service. They are appointed by the Prime Minister following a recruitment process.
Devolved executives
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How is a Northern Ireland Executive formed?
The Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive have not been fully functioning since February 2022. The Democratic Unionist Party has now endorsed a deal to restore power-sharing.
Other UK institutions
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How is a new Archbishop of Canterbury chosen?
A new Archbishop of Canterbury will be appointed following the resignation of Justin Welby on 12 November 2024. Timings are yet to be confirmed.
