In recent weeks, observers of Britain's political system may have found themselves scratching their heads as they saw the nation move through a string of prime ministers without holding elections. The ruling conservatives are pressing forward with choosing a new prime minister from within their own ranks, as they are entitled to do under the rules of the parliamentary democracy in Britain, despite the opposition Labour Party's call for an election.
In Britain, the prime minister is never elected.
There are 650 local constituencies in Britain, and voters mark the box next to the name of the candidate they wish to represent them as their local member of parliament, or MP. Most frequently, this will be a representative of one of the major political parties in the nation.
The processes the parties use to choose them can appear Byzantine.
The Labour Party has its own process that is, arguably, even more complicated.
Johnson was selected by his party following the resignation of Theresa May. He had already been prime minister for five months when electors ticked their ballot cards in December 2019.
Since then, another prime minister, Liz Truss, has come and gone, and one more will be in place by the end of next week — all without anyone troubling the general electorate.