2. Prerogative powers increasingly important –
foreign affairs, military – PM has become
commander in chief and leader of foreign
policy
With the growth of SPADs there is effectively
a ‘PM’s department similar to EXOP
Media emphasis on the PM – 2010 GE
SPATIAL leadership PM is increasingly
separated from the govt and is seen as a lone
figure
3. PM is not head of state – spokesperson for
the nation?
More limitations on PM..........................
PM does not have a separate source of
authority from the rest of the government –
presidents directly responsible to the people
Weak PMs – presidential image/style?
5. Thatcher -dominated political system – 1982
– 89,dominant ideology, demise of Cabinet,
Falklands War and international statesperson
Ultimately removed by party colleagues not
the electorate
6. Gulf War – led foreign policy
Consensual approach
Not a dominant personality
Divided Cabinet
Without a strong majority
International profile?
7. Growth of spads
Commander in chief – Kosovo, Sierra Leone,
Iraq and Afghanistan
World statesman
Bilateral meetings/weakened Cabinet
Driven out of office by party colleagues?
Iraq war – undermined his authority
8. Dominant personal leadership position at
home and abroad during the financial crisis
Personal standing in the country steadily
declined
Limited by divided Cabinet
Presidential style?
9. International statesperson – EU, Libya
Commander in chief – Libya
Impact of coalition government
Mandate to govern?