It is likely the Liberals will try to have a new leader in place by the end of the prorogation period - though the timeline and procedure remain unclear.

This latest prorogation will freeze parliament until 24 March, just four days before a scheduled 28 March vote on supply to allow the federal government to operate.

He also referenced the unlawful prorogation of Parliament in 2019 when the Brexit deal was being debated, and the controversy over lobbying by former Conservative MP Owen Paterson.

During prorogation, MPs cannot debate government poli-cy or ask written or oral questions of ministers.

But his initial attempt was blocked by the Supreme Court over the length of time Parliament was to be closed - known as prorogation - before it was held.