Explainers
Our explainers cover key subjects relating to our work, setting out key facts and figures and answering the most important questions about government.
Explore our explainers
By-elections
How are by-elections triggered?
Funding for political parties and MPs: what are the rules?
How much funding do political parties receive?
Cabinet
The cabinet is the senior decision-making body in government.
Former prime ministers: what support do they get from the state?
Prime ministers are entitled to public financial support in the form of the Public Duty Costs Allowance (PDCA).
Mayor of Greater Manchester
On 18 June 2026, Andy Burnham was elected as MP for Makerfield, leaving the post of mayor of Greater Manchester vacant.
How do Labour Party leadership contests work?
A Labour leadership election can only be triggered if the leader resigns, or if 20% of MPs nominate a challenger.
Replacing a prime minister during a general election campaign
Can a prime minister be replaced during an election campaign?
Preparation for government by opposition parties or leadership challengers
What is a transition of government?
By-elections since the 2024 general election
Labour’s Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield by-election.
Civil service staff numbers
Who exactly are civil servants and how many are there?