![Dr Catherine Haddon](/sites/default/files/styles/wysiwyg_full_width_desktop/public/2022-12/cath-haddon-326x326.jpg?itok=z4FFAIMy)
Catherine Haddon
Programme Director
Cath's recent work
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Winning a general election: what does a new prime minister’s first 72 hours look like?
The first 72 hours as a new prime minister provides an early lesson in how huge the job is and how extensive the demands on their time will be.
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What happens if a prime minister loses their seat in a general election?
At every general election there is a possibility that a party's leader would not be returned to parliament.
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How Angela Rayner operates as deputy prime minister is a core question for Labour
Keir Starmer needs to decide what kind of deputy prime minister he might need in government.
All work
UK government coronavirus decision making: key phases
As the UK government’s response to coronavirus has evolved, it has made a number of changes to the crisis machinery, forums of science advice, and dec
Cabinet secretary
The cabinet secretary is the most senior civil service adviser to the prime minister and cabinet.
The government’s handling of the Dominic Cummings row has led to a loss of public trust
In its handling of the row surrounding Dominic Cummings' trip to Durham, the government has undermined its ability to handle the coronavirus outbreak
Appointing Simon Case as No. 10 permanent secretary should make a difference to the government’s coronavirus response
The appointment of Simon Case as permanent secretary in Number 10 should provide coherence to the government’s immediate Covid-19 response
Boris Johnson has a chance to reset the government’s response to coronavirus
The prime minister’s enforced absence has given him the opportunity to observe the failings in his government
Questions over the prime minister’s coronavirus COBR absences are not straightforward
Questions about Boris Johnson’s role in the early days of the crisis will continue to be asked
The UK now needs a formal acting prime minister role
Government can function for a while in the prime minister’s absence, but ministers and officials need to know who is in charge
Acting prime ministers
The UK does not have a formal constitutional role of a deputy or caretaker prime minister who would step in if the PM were unable to perform their job
Coronavirus Act 2020
The Coronavirus Act 2020 received Royal Assent on 25 March, having been fast-tracked through parliament in just four sitting days.
Government emergency powers and coronavirus
The term “emergency powers” usually refers to government powers to respond rapidly to a public emergency.