Prime Minister of Georgeland

The Prime Minister of the United Islands of Georgeland is the head of the Georgeland government and the de facto leader of the country's executive, though he usually acts through the President. The Prime Minister, according to the Constitution must have the confidence of the House of Commons. In practice this means he is the leader of the majority party in that house, but this is not strictly required by the Constitution. Only one Prime Minister, Michael Fisch, has served without commanding a majority in the House as a party leader, and that was because Fisch was a caretaker PM appointed during a constitutional crisis.

The Prime Minister is the national leader, and has the highest profile of all national political figures, including the President. The Prime Minister appoints the Cabinet (though the President makes the formal appointment) and chairs that body's meetings. In theory, the Prime Minister is 'first among equals' in the Cabinet - in practice, modern Prime Ministers have tended to get their way.

The Prime Minister lives and works at The Residence in Topstad. He also has an office in the Houses of Parliament and a country retreat, referred to as The Lodge, located in the Chipwich Mountains.

The Prime Minister recieves a salary of G$201,540 a year, somewhat low compared to other world leaders. This is compensated for by exclusive perks, including a chauffeur-driven limousine, an Air Force jet to carry him around the country, two houses and no living expenses due to domestic staff.

The Prime Minister must be a member of the House of Commons. Previously this was not strictly required, but in 1958 this provision was added to the Constitution. The Prime Minister is almost always from a safe seat - either because voters like having the Prime Minister as their local MP or because safe seats tend to be occupied by long-standing party devotees.

The Prime Minister is in theory chosen by the President. In practice, he is chosen by his party. Prior to 2005, all Prime Ministers were elected leader by their party room, that is, the MPs and Senators of their party. In 2005, the Liberal Democrats will elect their leader by a vote of all party members nation-wide, a first for Georgeland.

The present Prime Minister is Campbell Rhodes, who is currently serving his third separate period in office. In July 2005, Rhodes announced he would step down at the end of the month. His replacement will be either Zoë Parker or Andrea Perkins, either of whom will become Georgeland's 25th Prime Minister and the first woman to hold the office.

List of Prime Ministers of Georgeland