The leader of the political party with the most MPs in the House of Commons is asked by the Queen to become Prime Minister and to form a government that will manage the country.
The leader of the party in power becomes the Prime Minister. At present, the Prime Minister is Gordon Brown, who is also the leader of the Labour Party (as from 27 June 2007).
The Labour Party won an overall majority in the last two General Elections. Parliamentary elections are held once every five years, or less.
Every week the Prime Minister appears before the House of Commons and must answer questions put to him or her by the members of Parliament.
The Prime Minister heads the Government and appoints Ministers, who head individual Government departments. The most important ministers are called Secretaries of State, and they are in charge of a Government Department (a ministry). Each minister is responsible for his department, and makes sure that his department applies the policy of the government.
Where does the Prime Minister live?
Traditionally, the official residence of the Prime Minister is at Number 10 Downing Street. He also has a house in the country called Chequers.
The most important Secretaries of State are: The Chancellor of the Exchequer (finance) The Foreign Secretary (international affairs) The Home Secretary (internal affairs) The Lord Chancellor (the legal system) The Secretary of State for Education. The Secretary of State for Transport and the Environment.
