Can Any of the Previous Prime Ministers Return to Power After Liz Truss's Resignation?

With Liz Truss's resignation as the UK prime minister, the political landscape has shifted dramatically. This raises the question of whether any of the previous prime ministers, such as Tony Blair or John Major, could step in and assume the role.

Key Figures and Their Current Status

Tony Blair and John Major, two of the most influential prime ministers in recent UK history, are unlikely candidates for the role. Tony Blair, at 69, is currently not an MP and is a member of the Labour Party, which makes him unsuitable for the Conservative party leadership that would be required for the position. Similarly, John Major, who is now 79, is not an MP and is unlikely to seek the hassle of another term.

Potential Candidates and Current Political Landscape

Among the current crop of Conservative MPs, Sajid Javid, Dominic Raab, and Rushi Sunak are often mentioned as potential successors. However, all of them would face significant challenges, and it is more likely that less experienced politicians might emerge as leading candidates.

Legal and Practical Considerations

Legally, there is nothing to prevent any ex-prime minister from returning to power if they meet the necessary requirements, such as securing the party leadership and winning a parliamentary seat. However, in practice, it would be nearly unthinkable due to the current political climate and the need to command majority support within the party.

For a former prime minister to become the prime minister again, they would need to:

Find a constituency and get re-elected. Gain the support of their political party, typically requiring a certain number of votes for the leadership position. Win a by-election if they do not have a seat in the House of Commons. Gain majority support within their party to lead the government in parliamentary debates.

Even if these requirements are met, the political landscape of the UK makes it extremely difficult for ex-prime ministers to gain majority support. Tony Blair, at 69, would need to build a strong base from the ground up, and John Major, at 80, would face even greater challenges due to his long absence from politics.

Current Contenders and Recent Developments

Theresa May and Boris Johnson, both sitting MPs, stand as potential alternatives. Theresa May currently has a much higher chance of becoming the next prime minister, with odds around 1000/1 available on Betfair, compared to Boris Johnson's odds of 6/4.

While Boris Johnson's recent exit from politics might raise questions, his high-profile status and nerve might still make him a contender. However, it is less likely that he would find the necessary majority support from his party, given his recent political difficulties.

In conclusion, while the possibility exists for any of the previous prime ministers to step into the role, the current political climate and practical challenges make it highly unlikely. Nevertheless, the political landscape is always evolving, and anything can happen in the competitive world of British politics.