We’ve been in No 10 when a new PM arrives. Here’s what will happen to Burnham on day one

WWhat happens in Downing Street when a Prime Minister walks out the door to make way for his successor? in the room Presenters Helen MacNamara and Cleo Watson were also there from different sides.

Former deputy cabinet secretary Helen MacNamara has seen many leaders come and go, all from the civil service. Cleo Watson, meanwhile, was part of the cavalry that arrived as a special advisor to No 10. Read Helen and Cleo’s quick Q&A here: last episode belowand listen to the full episode here:

When will the new prime minister receive the nuclear codes?

Helen: The Prime Minister does not receive the nuclear codes. However, there is something very difficult that every prime minister must do, even if it is not on the first day. They need to decide what instructions to give our nuclear submarine commanders about what to do if they cannot contact the UK after a nuclear attack. Every prime minister writes letters that are sealed and hung on a submarine, basically stating whether a revenge attack will be made or not. None of us will ever know what was in those letters.

When will Andy Burnham realize that he is in charge and will some pretty scary things happen?

Helen: Day one. He’ll have to make some tough decisions on Monday, and this is just the beginning.

When will lobbyists and current and former colleagues start pestering the new Prime Minister on certain issues?

Helen: Three weeks ago. I sincerely hope that Burnham takes the advice to change her phone number.

What is the time between the departure of the former prime minister and the arrival of the new prime minister?

Helen: Not more than an hour. Thank goodness we have never had a gap in power in the UK. This depends on how long both prime ministers spend talking to the King. House moving is more challenging, especially if you have families and children to work with.

What will former prime ministers do after leaving No 10? Are they retreating to lick their wounds? Have you taken up a weird hobby?

Helen: I don’t actually know the hobbies of former prime ministers. They have to go and live somewhere else for a while because most of the time they leave the office in a hurry and don’t have a plan. Someone probably lives in their house. Often a generous benefactor or friend will allow them to live in their home while they figure out what to do with the rest of their lives.

Will there be a dress rehearsal when the new prime minister arrives?

Helen: No. We had to remind ourselves of many things in 2015 because it had been a long time since we had a new prime minister. I don’t think that’s the case these days. I’m afraid the files aren’t even dusty.

Tell us about the PMs moving into their new home and what they might think of the previous tenants.

Cleo: When Boris and Carrie Johnson moved into the flat where Theresa and Philip May previously lived, they called it a ‘John Lewis nightmare’. They did a pretty expensive redecoration. When Jeremy Hunt walked in he mentioned the gold wallpaper. So there were some interior design choices that not everyone agreed with, we can say that.

Helen: I also disagreed with John Lewis’ nightmare. That sounds good. Fancy. What would we give to live in a John Lewis nightmare?

Listen to the full episode in the room Open Apple Podcasts or Spotifyor watch YouTube.