In the UK, if the prime minister is sacked, the chancellor of the Exchequer does not automatically become prime minister. The chancellor’s job is to run the Treasury and lead the government’s economic policy, while the next prime minister is usually chosen by the governing party and appointed by the monarch.

What the chancellor does

The chancellor is the government’s chief financial minister, responsible for taxation, borrowing, public spending, and the Budget. They are one of the most senior figures in the Cabinet, but they are not the automatic successor to the PM.

If the PM is removed

When a prime minister leaves office, the party usually picks a replacement from among its MPs or leadership contenders. The chancellor may be a strong candidate because the role is highly prominent, but they still have to win support like anyone else.

Simple example

If a PM is forced out after a political scandal, the chancellor might stay in post, be moved to another job, or run for the leadership. What happens depends on the party, not on the title “chancellor” itself.

TL;DR: the chancellor handles the economy, and only becomes PM if the party chooses them to replace the sacked prime minister.