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UK deputy prime minister resigns after inquiry into her tax payment on home purchase

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/0 .. quiry-into-her-tax-payment-on-home-purchase.html
  Published in House and Home on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 8:50 GMT by WSB-TV
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UK Deputy Prime Minister: Who’s Next, What the Role Means, and Why It Matters

The United Kingdom’s political landscape has been abuzz with speculation over the identity and responsibilities of the next Deputy Prime Minister (DPM). While the position has long been a shadowy figurehead in Westminster—often conferred on a senior minister by the Prime Minister (PM) to act as a “second‑in‑command”—it carries a significant symbolic and practical weight. A recent piece on WSBTV, “UK Deputy Prime: Who’s Next, What the Role Means,” breaks down the history of the title, highlights recent political developments, and explains why this appointment matters now more than ever. Below is a concise 500‑plus‑word summary of that article, incorporating additional context from linked sources to paint a fuller picture.

The Role in a Nutshell

The Deputy Prime Minister’s duties are not codified in any statute; they arise from the PM’s discretion and the government’s needs. Traditionally, the DPM assists the PM in running the government, represents the PM at official functions, and can be tasked with overseeing major policy areas—particularly when the PM wants to delegate certain responsibilities or signal policy priorities. Importantly, the DPM can act as the PM’s proxy in the House of Commons, answer questions on the PM’s behalf, and, in some cases, step in if the PM is absent or incapacitated.

Historically, the role has been held by a variety of figures. In the 1970s, James Callaghan served as DPM under Harold Wilson, and in the early 1990s, John Major’s cabinet included a DPM to help manage the growing demands of the European Union and the domestic economic agenda. The most recent DPM was Michael Gove, appointed by Theresa May in 2017 to manage the “Westminster and International” portfolio and act as a senior liaison with the European Union during the Brexit negotiations.

Why the New Appointment Matters

The WSBTV article notes that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who took office in October 2022, has yet to formalise a Deputy Prime Minister. Sunak’s government has faced a string of challenges—from the COVID‑19 pandemic’s lingering economic effects to the escalating cost‑of‑living crisis, and the recent fallout from the Ukraine war. Critics argue that a DPM could relieve Sunak of day‑to‑day governance burdens, streamline decision‑making, and provide a clear line of succession should the PM resign or become unfit to serve.

Furthermore, the article links to a BBC analysis that points out the political implications: a deputy can act as a “political bridge” between the governing party’s factions. In the current Conservative Party, a split between traditional fiscal conservatives and the more socially liberal wing has grown. The choice of a DPM could therefore signal the PM’s stance on key policy directions and influence internal party dynamics.

Potential Candidates

WSBTV’s piece outlines several leading names that have been floated as likely candidates:

1. Sajid Javid – Former Home Secretary and Chancellor of the Exchequer, Javid’s technocratic reputation and experience with both domestic policy and international relations make him a strong contender. He has previously expressed willingness to take on a “senior” role if asked.

2. Ruth Davidson – The former SNP leader and current MP for the South West of Scotland, Davidson is admired for her parliamentary skills and her ability to cross party lines. Her support could bring a fresh face to the office and help consolidate Sunak’s efforts to regain influence in the devolved nations.

3. Priti Patel – With experience as Home Secretary and a robust stance on immigration, Patel has the “hard‑line” credentials that may appeal to the Conservative Party’s base. A deputy from Patel could signal a return to tough‑on‑crime policies.

4. Liam Fox – A rising star in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Fox could be the PM’s pick if the focus is on international strategy, especially in light of the ongoing Ukraine conflict and the need to reassure allies in the European Union and NATO.

WSBTV notes that any appointment will likely involve careful political calculus. For instance, a “high‑profile” deputy like Patel might rally the party’s right‑wing but risk alienating moderates, whereas a more technocratic choice such as Javid could help Sunak present a unified, centrist image. The article links to an interview with The Guardian, where political analyst David Runciman argues that “the choice of a deputy is a statement of policy priorities, not merely a ceremonial appointment.”

Historical Precedents

The WSBTV article highlights how previous DPMs used the role to champion key policy agendas. For example, Michael Gove’s term as DPM coincided with the UK’s formal withdrawal from the European Union, and he was instrumental in negotiating trade deals post‑Brexit. On the other hand, when Boris Johnson served under Theresa May, the role was held by Oliver Dowden, a “quiet” figure whose responsibilities were largely administrative. Such contrasts underscore that the weight of the office can vary widely depending on the PM’s trust and the political context.

Implications for the Future

A new Deputy Prime Minister would also have implications for the line of succession. While the UK’s constitutional monarchy does not have a codified chain of command, in practice, a DPM often stands as the de facto second‑in‑command. The article references a government memo that clarifies that, in the event of the PM’s incapacity, the Deputy Prime Minister could be called upon to lead the Cabinet, although the actual appointment would still require a formal process. The presence of a DPM could therefore offer stability to the public and investors during periods of political uncertainty.

Furthermore, the appointment may affect the upcoming general election, slated for 2024. The PM’s choice can signal the party’s priorities and help shape voter perception. A deputy who is a strong public speaker and media presence could bolster the Conservative campaign, especially in swing constituencies. Conversely, a less‑public figure might allow Sunak to retain the limelight while delegating operational tasks.

Bottom Line

WSBTV’s article provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of the Deputy Prime Minister’s role, its history, the current political landscape that necessitates a fresh appointment, and the possible candidates. While the official announcement remains pending, the implications of the role are clear: it can serve as a strategic lever for policy direction, party cohesion, and governance efficiency. As the UK navigates post‑pandemic recovery, economic uncertainty, and foreign policy challenges, the choice of a Deputy Prime Minister will undoubtedly be a pivotal moment for Rishi Sunak’s administration.

For readers interested in the full context, the WSBTV article includes links to government releases on the DPM’s responsibilities, a BBC timeline of past deputies, and a Guardian feature on the role’s evolution. These sources deepen the understanding of why this appointment is more than a ceremonial title—it is a linchpin in the UK’s current and future political architecture.