I wonder what would happen if some sort of national emergency took place during this transitional period. As an American, I'm used to having weird things happen for a few months after an election (recounts and such) but as soon as Inauguration Day rolls around, the next guy is officially on watch. I understand that Gordo remains PM until Labour elects a new leader and the new government is formed, but it seems tenuous at best--if there was enough of a crisis, could someone else form a government and force him to hand over power?

EDIT: This isn't a criticism of the British system at all, just a question. I wouldn't presume to judge the system since I don't know much about it, hence the asking of questions. If there's some other reason I'm being downmodded I would like someone to tell me just so I know what to fix in the future. Thanks.