Lord Halifax was a courteous and experienced diplomat who had also been deeply involved in negotiations with Germany. That background tied him to appeasement at the moment Britain needed a leader who could command broader confidence. Halifax was also leader of the House of Lords when the established convention placed the prime minister in the Commons, and he lacked Churchill's public-speaking strength. In the decisive political meeting, Halifax said he was prepared to serve under Churchill; Churchill accepted the offer rather than volunteering the reverse, which closed off the alternative.
Notable Point · 1:19:41-1:21:52
Why Lord Halifax was a weak alternative to Churchill in 1940
Halifax's appeasement role, House of Lords position, limited public appeal, and willingness to serve under Churchill all weakened his practical claim to the premiership.