The Labour Spokesman Editorial
Last week’s edition of The Democrat Newspaper carried an article in which the writer purported to offer an explanation of the Westminster system of government, with a rather heavy emphasis on the supposed status and roles of the prime minister. The article is misleading in many regards and paints a false picture of the prime minister’s status.
Her Majesty The Queen is Head of State, NOT — repeat NOT — the prime minister. Her representative in the realm is The Governor General. The prime minister is Head of Government. ‘Constitutionally’ he holds that position for only so long as he enjoys the support of most members of the parliamentary majority. The moment he loses that support, it is all over for him. He is primus inter pares — first among equals.
The article contains the dangerous statement: “The Prime Minister is King of the Land with supreme powers.” Really?! What a truly dangerous statement! Whenever ministers and citizens encourage a prime minister to behave as though he is a king, they contribute to the undermining, and eventual breakdown, of the state’s constitutional framework. Rather, citizens and parliamentarians should spare themselves no effort from keeping the prime minister fully seized of his constitutional roles and functions.
The article has the aura of having been written by someone who is learned in the subject. A second, and perhaps even a third reading soon dispels that assessment.