King's experts react to the General Election result

Experts from across King's have been commenting on the outcome of the June 2017 General Election:

Dr Russell Foster, Department of European and International Studies, said: ‘Theresa May's weak leadership means her gamble has failed badly. We can expect her to form a coalition with the DUP, then resign to make way for Prime Minister Boris Johnson. A Leave campaigner will manage Brexit. 

‘The loss of several prominent leaders and the collapse of the SNP means Corbyn emerges as the strongest-looking leader. This election also shows UKIP voters in the old Labour heartlands have not flocked to the Tories but have largely gone back to Labour. Corbyn will capitalise on this by showing himself as the natural choice for leader despite not winning most seats.’ 

Dr Andrew Blick, Department of Political Economy, said:

‘In the wake of the inconclusive election outcome, there are certain fundamental requirements:

1) that there must continue to be a Prime Minister and government.

2) that Theresa May is entitled to continue as Prime Minister until she decides that an alternative Prime Minister or government is viable and able to replace her; or she loses a confidence vote when she meets the House of Commons. 

3) though the monarch makes the appointment of a Prime Minister, the queen tries to avoid involvement in political controversy, and politicians of different parties need to work to resolve the situation.

But beyond these points, the rest is politics.'