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
The deputy prime minister and first secretary of state
What is the role of the deputy prime minister and the first secretary of state? And how do they differ?
Law officers
There are three UK government law officers: the attorney general, the solicitor general and the advocate general.
Direct ministerial appointments to the House of Lords
If the prime minister wants to appoint a minister who is not a sitting MP or serving peer, they must ennoble them.
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).
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?
What has happened to the assisted dying bill?
Lauren Edwards confirmed she will bring back the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill which ran out of time in the 2024-26 parliamentary session.
Welsh elections 2026: Senedd Cymru (Welsh parliament)
The Senedd Cymru (Welsh parliament) in Cardiff is the devolved legislature of Wales.