David Lock

I'd have thought is was fairly important to get this post announced quickly.

Or have I missed something?

Perhaps nobody wants the job

paulr

Why?

PeteBrant

There isn't one at the moment - It is unclear whether there will actually be one appointed. There is no requirement in the unwritten constitution to have a Deputy PM.

Reffro

It was a made up cabinet post to satisfy Two Jags, so no need for anybody to be called that now.

Wurzel

iTrader: (1)

there isn't going to be one the position has been scraped.

David Lock

OK. So let's re-phrase that.

Who's in charge if something happened to Gordon? I want to know who is allowed to push the button. dl

Iain Young

I'd guess it'd probably be Harriet Harman. She was elected deputy leader of the party, is party chairman, and will be the leader of the House of Commons.

Time to flee...

Longjing

I don't think anyone could be more alarming than Prescott.

dnc

It was announced about a week ago? Harriet Harman is DPM. Marginally prettier than old JP
DNC

GarethE

iTrader: (1)

Harriet Harman is Deputy leader of the Labour Party, and not automatically Deputy PM.

As regards David's enquiry about "who will push the button" in Gordon Brown's absence, then thats obviously George Bush

Actually, thats probably still the case with Gordon around, despite Tony going !!

David Lock

No that was Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, not DPM. Prescott held both positions but not the same this time around. dl

David Lock

Well that's alright then - 'cos he'd probably push the wrong one and blow up half the USA

Slartibartfast

Indeed. And it wasn't invented for Prescott there have been duputy PMs for at least since the 50s according to a programme on the subject I saw yesterday.

simpsons !

Damp Proof Membrane?

Apparition

Me, Me I want to push the button !
Yve

Leslie

I dont think that H Harman will be deputy PM. It does not follow automatically. I think she will be leader of the House.

Les