John Lamont

John Lamont

Conservative — Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk

Speaking in the House of Commons on 16 March 2026

Debate

Member Defections: Automatic By-elections

Contribution

Having reflected on the point made by the hon. Member for Blackley and Middleton South (Graham Stringer), I would add that the key difference is surely that MPs are elected by their constituents, but the Prime Minister is appointed by the monarch, on the basis that that person can command the confidence of the House of Commons. That is the basis of the monarch’s decision. We do not have a presidential system, whereas we do elect constituency MPs. The appointment of the Prime Minister is based on the monarch’s judgment on who has the confidence of the House of Commons.

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