Premiership of the 2nd Viscount Douglas
 | |
| Premiership of the 2nd Viscount Douglas 21 November 2023 - 3rd January 2024 – 4th January - 5th March 2024 | |
| Monarch | Edward IX Charles III |
|---|---|
| Cabinet | Douglas Ministry Second Douglas Ministry |
| Party | The Heron Party |
| Seat | 10 Downing Street |
  Coat of Arms of HM Government under Edward IX (left) and Charles III (right) | |
The premiership of William Somerset, 2nd Viscount Douglas began when he accepted the invitation of Edward IX, King of Great Britain to form a government in his name, and passed the Address-in-Reply on the 21st of November 2023, succeeding August Lleyton, 1st Earl of Stirling. He was the 6th Prime Minister and Lord High Treasurer of Edward IX, as well as the last. He was the 1st Prime Minister and Lord High Treasurer of Charles III, his father.
He was appointed designate of the Heron Party at the conclusion of the party conference during the prior premiership. In the November 2023 General Election, the Heron Party did not secure a majority, with only William and Thomas H. Carew being elected. However, after the confidence and supply agreement with Llywellyn Lleyton, William was invited by His Majesty to form a government on the 19th of November. Two days later, he secured the confidence of parliament in a 6-2-1 vote. The Rothesay test was administered by Andrew Wright, 1st Viscount Islington solely, who failed William, but Lord Islington remained the only member or lord to vote nay.
His premiership was described as "stabilising", and saw a general increase in regional activity. Aside from a small number of prolonged or heated debates regarding select economic bills, the term was calm and cooperative; with an active opposition and continued accountability though the Prime Minister's Questions. The first term was cut short on William's request following a targeted statement released by James Forsyte, 1st Duke of Warwick, signed as HM Most Loyal Opposition, that ultimately caused the collapse and dissolution of the Liberal Democrats. With no organised opposition and growing unrest from the former Liberal Democrats, William notified the Privy Council and the writ of dissolution and general election was delivered by His Majesty that evening, on the 3rd of January - some 20 days before the term was due to conclude. Douglas duly won his second consecutive election to remain as Prime Minister, the first to do since Kalara Sherwood-Somerset.
The second term was noticably quieter than the first, though still saw discussion and debate regarding issues such as Foreign Affairs and the Economy.
The premiership was defined by divisive economic and electoral policy changes, and a small collaborative government effort. One of the most notable events was the EuroGB Christmas Festival.
Premiership Achievements
The Prime Minister
- Drastically reduced government size in Executive Order XLIV.[1]
- Created the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Defence in Executive Order XLV.[2]
- Released a Festive Period Airspace Directive.[3]
- Passed the Executive Act 2024 through joint session.[4]
Foreign Office & Defence Ministry
- Engaged in relations talks with Talonia.
- Assisted in the arrangement of the EuroGB Christmas Festival.
- Attempted to implement a recruitment strategy known as Crown Dependencies, that ultimately failed due to lack of security.
Home Office
- Relaunched "Citizen of the Month".
- Created department "mousers".
- Created an official will writing guide.
- Launched a public consultation on regional life.
Department of Culture
- Assisted in the arrangement of the EuroGB Christmas Festival.
- Investigated the function and viability of the BBC.
- Investigated potential roles and organisation structures for Oxford University.
- Ran the Secret Santa program over Christmas.
- Added more regional holidays to observe more faiths.
Justice Office
- Reviewed and passed the Criminal Code Act (Non-standard) 2023, written by Llywellyn Lleyton.