Commons2nd reading

Prime Minister (Replacement) Bill

A Bill to make provision for appointment of a Prime Minister in the event that a Prime Minister is temporarily or permanently incapacitated.

Originating House

House of Commons

Parliament last updated

15 May 2014

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

The Prime Minister (Replacement) Bill would create a formal mechanism to appoint a new Prime Minister if the current one becomes temporarily or permanently unable to perform duties. It aims to ensure government continuity by setting out how such an appointment should happen and who may be appointed. The focus is on providing leadership during periods of illness, disability or other incapacity.

Key Points

Creates a formal process for appointing a replacement Prime Minister in case of incapacity.
Covers both temporary and permanent incapacity.
Sets out who may be eligible to be appointed and how the appointment is made.
Aims to protect continuity of government and constitutional stability during periods of incapacity.
Status: introduced in the Commons, completed the 1st Reading and is at the 2nd Reading in the Commons as of the information provided, with no voting data available.

Progress

The bill is currently at its 2nd Reading in the Commons. It originated in the Commons and has completed its 1st Reading (introduced 2013-06-24). Further stages in Parliament (e.g., committee, Lords) have not been documented here.

Who is affected?

The sitting Prime Minister and potential successorsMembers of Parliament and government departmentsThe civil service and public administrationThe electorate/public who rely on stable governmentConstitutional lawyers and academics and political organisations

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

24 Jun 2013

2nd readingCommons

29 Nov 2013

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Prime Minister (Replacement)

1 Jan 1970

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Documents (1)

Bill 59 2013-2014, as introduced

BillCommons

27 Nov 2013

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

Prime Minister (Replacement) Bill | TrackPolitics