United Kingdom Government

Federal Government

The United Kingdom has a multinational government, composed of four distinct countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Each of these countries has its own devolved government, while the Government of the United Kingdom acts as a central executive authority for the entire region. The United Kingdom’s government structure at the national level is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy.

Executive branch

The executive branch of the United Kingdom is headed by the Prime Minister, who is the leader of the majority party in the House of Commons, the lower house of Parliament. The Prime Minister is supported by the Cabinet, composed of senior ministers responsible for various government departments. The Prime Minister is appointed by the Monarch, who serves as the ceremonial head of state. The Cabinet members are appointed by the Prime Minister, and are conventionally chosen from the two houses of Parliament. While the Monarch holds a symbolic and ceremonial role, the executive power is vested in the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, who are responsible for the administration and implementation of government policies.

Legislative branch

The legislative branch is a bicameral system consisting of the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

The House of Lords, which includes approximately 800 appointed life peers, bishops, and hereditary peers, acts as a revising chamber, reviewing and suggesting amendments to legislation proposed by the Commons. Together, these branches work to create, implement, and uphold the laws and policies governing the UK. Members of this appointed chamber are not maintained by Melissa.

The House of Commons is composed of 650 Members of Parliament (MPs) elected by the public from constituencies across all four countries. It holds significant legislative power, including the authority to pass laws and allocate funds.

MP numbers from each country:

	# of seats
England	543
Scotland	57
Wales	32
Northern Ireland	18

* updated 2024

Municipal Chambers

The Greater London Assembly (GLA) is a key component of the Greater London Authority, responsible for overseeing the strategic governance of London.

Established in 2000, the GLA comprises the Mayor of London and the London Assembly, the latter consisting of 25 elected members who represent different areas and political parties.

The primary role of the London Assembly is to scrutinize the activities and decisions of the Mayor, ensuring accountability and transparency in the execution of policies and the allocation of resources. The Assembly reviews and provides input on issues such as transportation, housing, economic development, and environmental policies, aiming to enhance the quality of life for London’s diverse population. Additionally, the GLA works to promote sustainable development and address the city’s long-term challenges, making it a vital institution in the governance of the UK’s capital.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is variously known as a country, region, or province of the United Kingdom. Its government operates as a devolved administration, meaning it has the authority to legislate in areas not explicitly reserved to the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The devolution of powers allows Northern Ireland to address its unique needs and circumstances through local governance.

The Northern Ireland Assembly is the legislative body consisting of 90 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). These members are elected using the single transferable vote (STV) system, with each of the 18 constituencies returning five members. Elections are held every five years, although they can occur earlier if necessary. The Assembly has a wide range of powers transferred from the UK government, enabling it to legislate on issues such as health, education, and justice.

Scottland

The Scottish Government operates within the framework of a devolved system, legislating in areas not reserved for the UK Parliament. The legislative branch is the Scottish Parliament, consisting of 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs). These MSPs are elected for five-year terms, with 73 representing geographic constituencies and 56 elected from “additional member” regions. This structure ensures a mix of direct representation and proportional representation. MSPs serve five-year terms.

The executive branch is led by the First Minister, who is nominated by the MSPs and formally appointed by the Sovereign. While technically any MSP can be appointed, the First Minister is almost always the leader of the largest party in the Scottish Parliament. The First Minister does not have a fixed term and serves at the pleasure of the Sovereign, contingent upon maintaining the confidence of the Scottish Parliament. The First Minister appoints other Ministers from the Parliament, forming a Cabinet to lead the Scottish Government. This Cabinet is responsible for executing government policies and administering public services.

Wales

Wales has a devolved government, meaning it legislates in areas not reserved for the UK Parliament. The Welsh Parliament, or Senedd Cymru, is composed of 60 Members of the Senedd (MSs). Of these, 40 are directly elected from geographic constituencies, and 20 are selected from party lists representing five electoral regions, with four MSs from each region. Voters cast two votes: one for their constituency representative and one for a regional party list. MSs serve five-year terms. Until 2020, this body was known as the National Assembly of Wales. Typically, the largest party in the Senedd forms the Welsh Government.

The Welsh Government, or Llywodraeth Cymru, is led by the First Minister, who is nominated by the Parliament and appointed by the Monarch. The First Minister, usually the leader of the largest party, selects other Ministers with Parliament’s approval, forming the Cabinet. The First Minister chairs the Cabinet, which includes Ministers who attend Cabinet meetings and Deputy Ministers who do not. The Counsel General, who is appointed by the Monarch on the advice of the First Minister, also attends Cabinet meetings.

Election Events

We log and track general and by-elections.

Level	Country	Chamber	Term lengths
National	United Kingdom	House of Commons	5 years *
Constituent country/ Region	Northern Ireland	Legislative Assembly	5 years *
	Scottland	Scottish Parliament	5 years *
	Wales	Welsh Parliament	5 years *
Local	England	Mayor of London	4 years
		London Assembly	4 years

* early elections could occur under certain circumstances