The Royal Prerogative and the Queen's Power to Sack Boris Johnson

There has been considerable speculation regarding whether Queen Elizabeth II has the authority to remove Prime Minister Boris Johnson from power. This article will explore the constitutional reasons behind this question and explain why such an action is highly unlikely.

Parliament's Authority and the Queen's Role

It is important to understand that the power to dismiss Boris Johnson, or any Prime Minister, does not rest with the Queen. According to the British constitution, Parliament is the supreme law-making body. The Queen's role, as laid out in the Constitution, is to ensure the government remains accountable to Parliament. She does not have the authority to sack a Prime Minister.

The Queen's Limited Role

Under the Royal Prerogative, the Queen has certain powers, including the power to dismiss a Prime Minister. However, this power is not used and would be considered an extraordinary measure. In practice, such an action would likely create a constitutional crisis, undermining the democratic principles that underpin British governance.

Historical Context and Precedent

When Tony Blair's term ended in 2010, the Queen did not dismiss him. Similarly, during Boris Johnson's term, she has shown no inclination to remove him, even though she could, under theory. These actions are part of the unwritten but well-established conventions of British democracy. The Queen has a ceremonial role and her actions should align with the principles of the current government.

Democratic Principles

British democracy is designed to ensure that the government remains accountable to the elected representatives in Parliament. The Queen's role is to be a neutral figurehead, operating within the confines of the democratic process. If there is a need to sack a Prime Minister, it would be through the normal political process, such as a no-confidence vote or a general election.

Constitutional Implications

Theoretically, if the Queen were to dismiss a Prime Minister, it could lead to significant constitutional issues. The legitimacy of the Monarch's actions would be questioned, and it could destabilize the governance of the country. Such a move would likely be met with widespread political and legal opposition, making it an impractical and improbable action.

The Last Resort

The only time the Queen would use her powers to dismiss a Prime Minister would be in extreme circumstances, such as if the Prime Minister were attempting to form a dictatorship or if the election results were fraudulent. In such cases, the Monarch serves as a last line of defense to prevent further constitutional chaos.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Queen does have the power to dismiss Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the likelihood of her exercising such power is virtually non-existent. The British democratic system is designed to ensure that the government remains accountable to Parliament and that the Monarch plays a supporting, not leading, role in governance. The potential constitutional crisis that would arise from such an action makes it an impractical and improbable scenario.