King's College London

But, in a rapidly-changing world, with authoritarianism once again on the rise in the West, the deep polarisation of society, and the continuing obfuscation of facts and truth – what once seemed improbable might soon be entirely possible.

Were such a scenario to play out on these shores, with a recalcitrant prime minister holed up in 10 Downing Street, refusing to budge, what steps can be taken to remove them and restore constitutional order?

In their new book, Professor Andrew Blick (King’s College London) and Lord Peter Hennessy cut to the heart of the issue.

Could it Happen Here? brings the idea of a defeated prime minister refusing to leave office to life, sketching out how it might happen and what tools such a character might use to cling on to power.

The book then offers a detailed map of the UK constitution as it exists today, setting out the tools, rules and conventions which those seeking to counter such a scenario might use to prevent it from arising, as well as highlighting the office holders who would be best placed to act should the worst case materialise.

The authors then detail the changes the UK’s constitution has undergone over the last decade and offers up some insights into how it might be better protected in future.

Could it Happen Here? (Haus Publishing) is on sale now. You can find out more here: Could it Happen Here?