Petition · past parliament
Introduce a maximum term limit for the role of UK Prime Minister
Closed
45 signatures
What the petition asks
Many countries limit the time that one individual can hold the highest political office. This prevents one individual from dominating the political agenda for too long and amassing too much power. Thus it helps to guard against authoritarianism and the domination of particular interest groups.
The majority of countries in the world have term limits for their Heads of State. This is a widely accepted international norm.
Often these limits apply to presidents rather than prime ministers. However, since the UK is a monarchy, and the Prime Minister is more powerful than the monarch in policy making, it is appropriate to impose such a limit on UK prime ministers.
At a time when the personal power of political leaders is so important, this law is critical to preserving political freedoms.
Often these limits apply to presidents rather than prime ministers. However, since the UK is a monarchy, and the Prime Minister is more powerful than the monarch in policy making, it is appropriate to impose such a limit on UK prime ministers.
At a time when the personal power of political leaders is so important, this law is critical to preserving political freedoms.
Timeline
| 10 Oct 2016 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 10 Apr 2017 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
45
Status
Closed
Opened
10 Oct 2016
Closed
10 Apr 2017
Follow this petition
Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.
Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.