All eyes are on Deputy PM Dominic Raab following Boris Johnson's resignation...
It's safe to say that the UK is facing a period of political instability of late, with the fallout from several minister resignations leading to Boris Johnson's official resignation from office.
Many are eager to know what happens when a Prime Minister resigns and the days following. And as Deputy Prime Minister, you'd think that Dominic Raab would have some role play in the forthcoming weeks. We delve into his political career, his responsibilites as deputy and whether he'll be the next Prime Minister.
Who is deputy prime minister Dominic Raab?
The current British Deputy Prime Minister is Dominic Raab - MP for Esher and Walton. The 48-year-old was appointed to the post by Boris Johnson on September 15, 2021, additionally taking on the roles of Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice. He has kept this role in the recent reshuffle.
Mr Raab has been a sitting MP for over a decade, winning his seat back in May 2010. During this political career, Raab has held a number of other high profile positions in the government, including Brexit Secretary (2018), Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State (2019-2021).
2/2 I am delighted to be appointed Justice Secretary, Lord Chancellor and Deputy Prime Minister, delivering on the PM’s commitment to cut crime, reduce reoffending and protect the public.September 15, 2021
As for his personal life - Dominic Raab is married to Erika Rey. The Brazilian marketing executive has a high-flying career of her own, having recently worked at Google up until 2020. The two met during the Brazilian World Cup in 2002 and two years later Raab got down on one knee - proposing on Christmas Eve in 2004.
The couple share two boys together - Peter and Joshua. With the eldest Peter named after Dominic's father.
According to The Times of Israel, Raab practices Karate and has a black belt in the sport.
What does a deputy prime minister do?
- Outline the line of succession under the current Prime Minister
- Ensure efficient carrying out of government business
- Stand in for Prime Minister if away for Prime Minister's Questions
- To stand in temporarily if a Prime Minister dies unexpectedly or is assasinated
In April 2020, Dominic Raab stood in for three weeks as acting Prime Minister. This was when Boris Johnson was recovering from Covid-19.
Whoever is appointed Deputy Prime Minister does not receive a salary for the role.
On Thursday, I met with @CommissionerHR to discuss how our UK Bill of Rights will strengthen our UK tradition of freedom and reinforce the separation of powers, whilst remaining a State Party to the European Convention on Human Rights. pic.twitter.com/m3I1WMM8LIJuly 1, 2022
Will Dominic Raab be the next prime minister?
Although deputy, Dominic Raab doesn't automatically become the next Prime Minister. Instead, Mr Raab would have to run as a contender in the upcoming Tory leadership contest to give himself a chance at becoming PM. However sources claim he won't be competing, and since then Rishi Sunak has emerged as the frontrunner, leaving many wanting to know more about the ex-Chancellor, including how he voted on Brexit. Other favourites are Penny Mordaunt and Liz Truss, all of whom will be taking place in the upcoming leadership TV debates.
Dominic Raab previously ran in the 2019 leader contest but was knocked out in the second round of voting. After this he backed Johnson as leader.
Following his resignation, Boris Johnson announced that he would continue to stay in power until Autumn - when a new Prime Minister will be announced. Continuing in capacity as Prime Minister till then, this means it's highly unlikely that Dominic Raab will be asked to act as interim PM.
However, if the 1922 committee of Tory MPs later decide they don't want Johnson to continue in Downing Street - Raab would be the likely person to step in.
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