Premiership of the Countess of Strathmore

This article is about the events of the Countess of Strathmore's Premiership. For the cabinet of her tenure, see Strathmore Ministry.

Premiership of the Countess of Strathmore 21 February 2025 – 20 March 2025
Monarch	George VII
Cabinet	Strathmore Ministry
Party	Unionist Party
Seat	10 Downing Street
Coat of Arms of HM Government under George VII

Josephine Carew, The Countess of Strathmore's tenure as Prime Minister of Great Britain started on 21 February 2025 when she accepted King George VII's invitation to form a government in his name, following the February 2025 General Election which resulted in a Unionist majority. She succeeded William Somerset, 2nd Duke of Cambridge, returning to 10 Downing Street for the second time. During this time, she served as First Lord of the Treasury, Leader of the Unionist Party, and later Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Strathmore was the third Prime Minister of George VII, but the second to be elected during his reign. She led the Unionist Party to secure a majority in the 38th Parliament of Great Britain.

Lady Strathmore resigned on 20 March 2025.

Premiership

Appointment as Prime Minister

On 21 February 2025 at 18.53 GMT, just 50 minutes after the polling closed on the General Election, Lady Strathmore was summoned to Buckingham Palace by King George VII. 4 minutes later, after departing from Party Headquarters, the Leader of the Unionist Party arrived at the palace and accepted the King's invitation to form a government in his name.

Opening Address

The same day she was appointed as Prime Minister, she gave an opening address in front of 10 Downing Street. The newly elected Prime Minister, The Countess of Strathmore, expressed her gratitude for the electorate’s support of both herself and the Unionist Party’s Eastbourne Plan. She recalled receiving the results while sitting beside her husband, knitting, and described feeling both proud and humbled.

The dog days are over. The golden slumbers of the Imperial Family are being cast off and invigoration shall be the purpose of this Government.

— Josephine Carew, The Countess of Strathmore, "The Dog Days Are Over", 21 February 2025

Speaking from 10 Downing Street, she declared the end of complacency and the beginning of a new, invigorated chapter for the government. She stated that her administration would spend the coming days organizing itself before launching into action to deliver the leadership the British people deserved. She encouraged all citizens to answer the call of duty in their own way and looked ahead to the upcoming Coronation of the King as a symbol of the nation’s forward momentum.

First Update

In her weekly update, Prime Minister The Countess of Strathmore extended heartfelt prayers for the recovery of His Majesty The King and the Prince of Wales, both of whom had fallen seriously ill, and expressed confidence in the Prince Regent, The Duke of Somerset, as he assumed leadership during the Regency. Despite a general dip in activity, she reported steady progress across departments: the Treasury advanced fiscal calculations and prepared an economic reform commission; the Foreign Office saw delays due to illness but received support from the Downing Street Chief of Staff; the Home Office moved forward with the Cinque Ports bills, citizenship checks, and national security compliance; Culture, Media, and Sport paused Coronation plans but pushed forward with N-Day 12 and celebrated the BBC Music Competition; the Cabinet Office introduced the Civil Service Act; and the Justice Office proved especially productive, issuing Orders-in-Council, publishing reports, launching the Citizens’ Forum, and collaborating on reform legislation.

Second Update

In her latest address, Prime Minister The Countess of Strathmore reflected on the busy pace of government during what she called the Empire’s “New Spring,” quoting Robert Jordan to emphasize the power of choices in shaping the future. She announced the publication of the first National Security Council bulletin, detailing actions taken to comply with the Territory and Borders Act, including key appointments and plans for a new World Assembly Delegate. She also marked the resignation of Viscount Clare as Foreign Secretary, praising his 181-day tenure and appointing him to the Whitehall Foreign Affairs Council in recognition of his service. In his place, Sir Philip Wright was appointed as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs under her mentorship while continuing his role as Justice Secretary. The Home Office resumed key initiatives, including the Retention Programme and stamp recruitment, following recent disruptions

Resignation

In a heartfelt and candid address, Prime Minister The Countess of Strathmore announced her resignation, citing exhaustion and burnout after months of intense service, particularly during the Regency and periods of governmental inactivity. She took full responsibility for the challenges facing her administration, acknowledging the loss of her initial energy and the need for the Empire to be led by someone with renewed vitality. Reflecting on her dedicated work since her return in November and her time under three previous Prime Ministers, she expressed gratitude to her colleagues and supporters while affirming her longstanding belief in stepping aside when necessary. Effective immediately, she resigned as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament, and committed to stepping down as Prime Minister once a successor was chosen

His Majesty's Treasury

Opening Statement

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Matthew Somerset, The Duke of Somerset, never released an opening statement before resigning to serve as Prince Regent.

The Foreign Office

Opening Statement

August Carew, The Viscount Clare, delivered a characteristically light-hearted yet purposeful address upon continuing his roles as Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. He noted his extensive office space with humour and acknowledged the ongoing nature of his responsibilities from the previous term. Somerset announced plans to draft and implement a White Paper on the Foreign Office—his first chance to name one—laying out a clear operational path and guiding principles for future foreign policy. He also pledged to foster international engagement through events with both new and longstanding partners, particularly during the upcoming coronation season. As Deputy Prime Minister, he reaffirmed his commitment to supporting governmental policy and offering aid across departments, signing off with a wry nod to his workspace and an earnest dedication to the region’s future.

The Home Office

Opening Statement

Anastasia Nelson, Lady Hereford, upon her appointment as Secretary of State for the Home Office, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her and the Strathmore Premiership, declaring the upcoming term one of Excellence, Stability, and Growth. She outlined her legislative priorities, including finalizing the Cinque Ports Initiative and implementing the Territory and Borders Act. Reflecting on her longstanding connection to the Home Office—where she began her governmental career under Baron Scarborough and later served under the now-Prime Minister, the Countess of Strathmore—she shared her political journey from founding the Labour Party to joining the British Workers’ Party and ultimately aligning with the Unionist Party. Passionate about recruitment, retention, and regional management, she emphasized her deep commitment to strengthening the Empire and empowering its citizens through meaningful service and development.

The Ministry of Justice

Opening Statement

Sir Philip Wright, in his address as Secretary of State for Justice, reaffirmed the centrality of the Rule of Law and the Constitution as foundational pillars of the Empire’s legal system. Emphasizing that no one is above the law, he outlined a vision for judicial reform that harmonizes legal transformation with constitutional principles. His priorities included launching the Judicial Reform Commission, reviewing the Scarborough Case, and conducting a statutory review of Standard and Organic Laws to resolve interpretive inconsistencies. He also proposed the establishment of a permanent Law Commission to advise Parliament independently and strengthen the legislative process. Wright committed to consulting legal stakeholders, including the courts and Bar Council, and announced preparations for the traditional Dinner for His Majesty’s Judges at Mansion House. With conviction and clarity, he called for the creation of a “Law’s Empire”—a system defined by accessibility, coherence, and unwavering commitment to justice.

The Ministry of Culture, Media, and Sport

Opening Statement

Thomas Carew, The Earl of Devon, announced his return to frontline politics with trademark humour, crediting his wife, Prime Minister Lady Strathmore, for the opportunity. As First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport, he pledged to support the government’s agenda—The Path Forward—with vigour and seasoned advice across departments. He expressed particular interest in judicial reform, economic policy, and refining the role of culture within government, noting the delicate balance between public oversight and private creativity. With a nod to both his political experience and irreverent charm, he promised dedication, clarity, and a touch of mischief, signing off with the question: "What could possibly go wrong?"

The Civil Service

Opening Statement

Charles Wright, The Viscount Kirkwalll, upon his appointment as Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service, expressed gratitude and outlined his commitment to building a stable, long-term, and adaptable Civil Service guided by a philosophy of independent thought and inclusive action. He traced the turbulent history of Civil Service reform in the Empire, highlighting the lack of consistency in its management—shifting between Executive Orders and proposed Acts, centralized and decentralized models, specific and open applications, and various approaches to recruitment, responsibility, and purpose. Across successive governments, enthusiasm for reform was often met with structural instability, leading to short-lived successes and recurring collapse. Drawing from both effective and failed efforts—particularly those of Samantha Stewart and James Forsyte—Kirkwall emphasized the importance of a clearly designated authority, transparent application processes, and sustained attention. His goal during the current Parliament was to enshrine the Civil Service in legislation, making it a viable and reliable career path while preserving its ability to adapt. He concluded his address with a blend of sincerity and dry humour, inviting his colleagues to join him in this long-overdue institutional renewal.