2007-08-03 10:29:31 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Government
Gordon Brown did not appoint a Deputy Prime Minister because the position is largely ceremonial. Considering the problems Blair had with Deputy PM Prescott, I am not surprised Brown did not appoint one.
2007-08-03 10:33:15 · answer #1 · answered by The Stylish One 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Gordon Brown did not appoint a Deputy Prime Minister; there is nothing in the un-written British Constitution that says that there has to be one.
In the past it has been given to people largely as a thanks for past service, or as a gesture. Clement Attlee was Deputy Prime Minister in the National Coalition Government of 1940-45 led by Winston Churchill. From then there was no Deputy Prime Minister until Margaret Thatcher gave the post to William Whitelaw after a stroke made him unable to hold Ministerial office, and then to Sir Geoffrey Howe basically to keep him quiet. John Major followed the same principal when giving the position to his main challenger, Michael Heseltine.
Tony Blair was the first to actually give the Deputy Prime Minister ministerial responsibilities; until May 2006 John Prescott was in charge of things such as local government, planning, etc.
2007-08-03 11:39:45 · answer #2 · answered by Timothy M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The English system is different to the American in that the Deputy Prime minister does automatically become prime minister when the leader steps down. Really most people felt, that an election should have been called in these circumstances. Gordon Brown was our Chancellor of the Exchequer which mean he was responsible for our economy. In answer to who is going to become Deputy I don't know I have not been following it. One thing is for sure I am as glad to see the back of Prescott as I am B'liar.
2007-08-03 10:45:00 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
We dont have a Deputy Prime Minister,and after the last one we dont want one.
2007-08-03 14:35:18 · answer #4 · answered by realdolby 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is NO deputy PM. What jobs there are in the cabinet is up to the PM, and historically there isn't usually a deputy PM.
This is not to say the deputy PM has no role - John Prescott initially led a "superminisrty" of environment, transport and the regions.
When Michael Heseltine was deputy PM under John Major, his main task seemed to be planning the Millenium Dome (yes they started building it BEFORE Labour was elected!)
2007-08-03 10:36:33 · answer #5 · answered by undercover elephant 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The position of deputy prime minister has been abolished
2007-08-03 10:41:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
There isn't one - Gordon didn't like the look of Hariett Harman so he didn't make her deputy PM when she won the deputy leadership of the Labour party.
2007-08-04 12:14:05 · answer #7 · answered by LongJohns 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Harriet Harmen
2007-08-03 13:22:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The most reliable 'leader' is Plunkets dog,and yet they still chose someone else!
2007-08-03 12:15:26 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Harriet Harmen, is now deputy prime minister.
2007-08-03 10:37:20 · answer #10 · answered by enlightened goddess 4 · 1⤊ 6⤋