The Executive - The Prime Minister

  • Head of UK government, provides political leadership within the cabinet system and the country at large
  • Idea emerged in the 18th century and became the accepted title for the first lord of the treasury – Robert Walpole
What Is The Role Of The PM:
  • Political Leadership: Decides on the political direction taken by the government, setting its priorities and strategy. They also shape high issue policy
  • National Leadership: PM is the predominant political figure and provides national leadership at times of crisis. Also responsible for security, communication in chief for government.
  • Appointing The Government: Determines membership of the government by appointing and dismissing ministers.
  • Chairing The Cabinet: Chairs the cabinet, sets the agenda and steers it direction. Creates cabinet committees and bilateral meetings with ministers.
  • Managing The Executive: Responsible for the overall organisation of government and is head of the civil service
  • Prerogative Powers: PM exercises prerogative powers such as deploying troops abroad and recommending some public appointments.
  • Managing Relations With Parliament: PM makes statements and answers questions in the Commons, he/she also shapes the legislative programme
  • Representing The UK: PM represents the UK in high level international diplomacy.
Who Becomes Prime Minister:
  • He/she must be a member of Parliament
  • They must the leader of a party so they can command the support of the party
  • If they step down, they step down from the PMs office. Then a leadership contest is made
  • The political party must have a majority in the Commons
  • Monarch invites leader of party so she can authorise the majority in the Commons
The PMs Office:
  • Around 190 members of staff, a mix of civil services and special advisers.
  • Policy Advice: Provides PM with policy advice which may differ from that given by ministers. Future plans of government policy and the direction of politics in the country. Cameron introduced the Policy and Implementation. PM appoints senior advisers. Chief of staff is the most influencer adviser.
  • Communication: PMs office is responsible for the presentation of government policy and how the PM is presented to the media
How Powerful Is The PM:
  • He/she has greater powers than ministers, they don’t automatically gain them. They are also subject to constraint.

Patronage Powers:
  • Life Peers: PM can appoint people to the HOLs as life peers. They could be a former MP or someone who has contributed to society. The power allows the PM to create a bias within the HOLs such as Blair who appointed 162 Labour MPs
  • Honours System: Policy inquiry into ‘cash for honours’ where a donation meant you would get honoured. Many changes were met with this power once it become known to the public. Nominations are now considered by the honours committees. If a donation is made the committee now look at other work done by the person aside from the donation made.
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