I was explained
That as nobody got absolute mayority (?) he could stay as PM, even if his party is not in power.
(Aberracion Life's getting very complicated, but a lot of fun., Tue 11 May 2010, 16:58, 1 reply, 16 years ago)

no it doesn't work like that
if Labour is not part of the government formed then he couldn't remain as PM
( Amberl was stripey and dominated Europe, Tue 11 May 2010, 17:06, Reply)

Are you sure about that?
I was explained that, until now, that has been just good manners, but not a law. That's one of the first things they want to change about your election system and put it in writing.
(Aberracion Life's getting very complicated, but a lot of fun., Tue 11 May 2010, 17:07, Reply)

See the video link Psychochomp posted below
It's a nice, clear (and most importantly, concise!) explanation of the situation.
(LongJohnBaldry, Tue 11 May 2010, 17:13, Reply)

I can't do it at work
But I'll do it when I get home (I have a long lonely evening in front of me)

If you are right, I'll be more than happy to correct my colleages at work :)
(Aberracion Life's getting very complicated, but a lot of fun., Tue 11 May 2010, 17:15, Reply)

In practise you are right,
but in fact Labour could remain as government until defeated by a vote of no confidence. This would almost certainly be at the Queen's speech.
So, in effect they are out.
Unless a Lib Lab pact can protect them from a VoNC.
( Larry Vest One day at a time, sweet Jesus, FFS., Tue 11 May 2010, 17:17, Reply)

That's what I understood
They were laughing at the situation, as it'd mean that Brown would be PM, but with no power at all.

That's as well why they want to put in writing that he has to step down, rather than leaving it as good manners only.
(Aberracion Life's getting very complicated, but a lot of fun., Tue 11 May 2010, 17:20, Reply)