UK Prime Minister

[SPC]

Okay, I know this has no chance of happening, but I'll ask it anyway. It's more of a question of british law than American law, though:

Let's suppose Bill Clinton moved to England right after he left office. He stayed there for a certain number of years. Could he run for House of Commons? Could he theoretically become Prime Minister?

[Blerpiez]

Wiki says that:
In order to become an MP, one must be a citizen of the UK or one of its territories, the Republic of Ireland, or of a member of the Commonwealth, so Clinton would need to become a citizen of one of these countries first. (There are many other requirements, which basically require that one be a competent citizen in good standing) 

One can gain British citizenship after a five-year period as a legal alien there, as well as passing a test and some other requirements.  So if Clinton moved right after his term ended, he could have been a UK citizen in 2006, and if he had stood in and won a by-election he could be an MP right now.

The prime minister is technically just the chief advisor to the monarch, so anyone can become PM (one does not need to be an MP first, or even a citizen).  In practice, the PM is always the leader of the largest party/bloc in the House of Commons.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

There are at least two German born Labour M.P's, btw (Natascha Engel and Gisela Stuart).

[J. J.]

Actually, the 1st Viscount Astor was a member of the New York State House and Senate before moving to Great Britain.  He was ennobled at a time when the PM could be drawn from the Lords.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Waldorf_Astor%2C_1st_Viscount_Astor


His daughter-in-law was born in Virginia, of American parents, and was the famous "Lady Astor, the first woman elected to the Commons.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Astor

My guess is both Roosevelts could have done it, and I'd expect that either Clinton could.

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

My guess is both Roosevelts could have done it, and I'd expect that either Clinton could.

I doubt that the British would be interested in a second Iron Lady just yet, but then they'd be getting Brass, not Iron if they went with Hillary as PM.

[Hatman 🍁]

I think there is residency requirements. I believe that's all I'd need to vote in a British election as a citizen of her majesty's commonwealth.