Thread by @uk_domain_names

Imagine:
Boris Johnson gets picked as next Tory leader. 3-4 Tory MPs leave the party because they can't stomach the idea. Bang, Tory+DUP majority is ancient history.

Could the Queen invite BJ to the Palace in good conscience, knowing he doesn't command the confidence of the HOC?

Bonus question: if not him, who? Because under that scenario it's clear nobody else does either.

Could the Queen force a GE? And would she risk the backlash that would inevitably follow?

That's the thing. She may be stuck either way. She shouldn't invite BJ constitutionally, because she already knows full well he doesn't have the confidence of the HOC ie he has fallen at the first hurdle to becoming PM. But practically? That's another matter...

Could it be the one thing that pushed her to abdicate rather than see the monarchy brought low by the impossible choice. That would send a message that would echo around the world, especially if she *gave the reason*. (In other words, refuses to play the scapegoat.)

Note: I don't think any of the above is likely. But Brexit has shredded politics-as-usual to such an extent that it's no longer unthinkable.

And let's say events did conspire to produce an instant GE at the point BJ was expecting to be annointed instead.

It is perfectly possible - indeed likely - that no party will emerge that's capable of forming a majority with other *logical* partners. Tories+BP may not get there.

Equally, Labour+LD might not have the numbers, and I doubt the LD would prop up a Corbyn-led regime anyway.

So where does the UK stand if it held a GE to break an impasse, only to march straight into a different impasse?

Thanks, Brexit!