Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2024 January 15

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January 15

How are British ministers/secretaries of state appointed

Famously, an incoming British PM is received in an audience by the King and formally invited to form a government in the King's name.

What about Cabinet secretaries and junior ministers? Of course, it's become common in recent times for their appointments to be announced on X (formerly known as Twitter).

1. But how are they appointed in practice? Does the King also have to formally meet and appoint them or is another official empowered to do so on his behalf (the PM/the Lord President)?

2. Are any ministers so important that they're personally appointed in the King's presence (e.g., the DPM, the Lord President, the Lord Chancellor, the Great Offices)?

3. Is there any difference between ministers/secretaries who are already privy counsellors and those who aren't?

4. Some secretaries/ministers have seals associated with their officers (e.g., obviously the Lord Privy Seal). Does that change anything? 09:57, 15 January 2024 (UTC) 123.193.182.167 (talk) 09:57, 15 January 2024 (UTC)

Those who follow the news will know that the Prime Minister can hire and fire his ministers at will. It's quite common for a Member of Parliament to be appointed to the Privy Council on assuming office. They remain members - which is why the body is so large. Because of its size, there is no automatic right to attend meetings (except on the demise of the Crown). 78.146.96.26 (talk) 11:39, 15 January 2024 (UTC)

Naturally Will takes precautions against being struck by human projectiles. Clarityfiend (talk) 22:05, 16 January 2024 (UTC)

What??? Alansplodge (talk) 13:21, 17 January 2024 (UTC)

"fire his ministers at will". Clarityfiend (talk) 16:59, 17 January 2024 (UTC)

I couldn't find anything about a ministerial appointment procedure, but ministers are not included in this article about audiences with the King, except the Chancellor of the Exchequer who has an audience before each budget. Note that parish priests in the Church of England are also appointed by the King, but only get given a certificate. Alansplodge (talk) 13:21, 17 January 2024 (UTC)

Nice find. On doing more research I found in Kissing Hands this snippet: "When appointing a Secretary of State (the top rank in the UK government), the protocol also involves the delivery by the King or Queen of the seals of office into the hands of the appointee. This is also valid for other officers who are keepers of seals, such as the Lord Privy Seal or the Lord Chancellor, who is also keeper of the Great Seal of the United Kingdom." It's a little vague on whether the King delivers the seals personally or has them delivered by someone else though. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 113.196.51.134 (talk) 03:08, 18 January 2024 (UTC)