The test of confidence thereby provides both the authority and the legitimacy of our government in this parliamentary system.
And because the test of confidence is so important, then the application of that test must take priority over any other parliamentary business.
Green puts the legal view. The article is well worth a read as it is a very comprehensive argument.
Green says, further on:
Either parliament, through its elected representatives, is supreme or it is not.
Either the government of the day has the confidence of a majority of Members of Parliament, or it does not.
From a legal standpoint, not allowing confidence in parliament to be voted on denies our constitutional right. But then, that's Conservatism these days, isn't it.
Law and Policy Blog davidallengreen.com/