Prime ministerial case studies

• Who was the Prime Minister of the UK from 1979 to 1990?

  Margaret Thatcher
• What political movement did Thatcher lead?

  The Conservative Party's New Right movement
• What was the political context in the UK before Thatcher's leadership?

  Economic and political instability in the 1970s
• What were Thatcher's parliamentary majorities in 1979, 1983, and 1987?

  43, 144, and 102
• What was the division within the Conservative Party during Thatcher's time?

  Between One-Nation Conservatives and neo-liberals
• How did Thatcher's leadership style contribute to her dominance as PM?

  Her strong-willed determination to implement reforms
• What challenges did Thatcher face despite her control over key policy areas?

  Resistance in other policy areas
• Who was the Prime Minister of the UK from 1997 to 2007?

  Tony Blair
• What were some of Blair's early successes as Prime Minister?

  Public services, health, and education improvements
• What military successes were associated with Blair's leadership?

  Sierra Leone, Kosovo, and Northern Ireland peace process
• How did the Iraq War impact Tony Blair's leadership?

  It damaged his credibility due to WMD evidence disproval
• What approach did Blair use to maintain control over his government?

  A 'sofa cabinet' approach, sidelining traditional discussions
• What led to Blair's loss of control during his leadership?

  The backlash from the Iraq War
• How did Gordon Brown's role change during Blair's leadership?

  He gained more autonomy, deepening party divisions
• What was the outcome of Blair's reduced majority in 2005?

  Weakened authority and multiple Commons defeats
• What led to Tony Blair's resignation?

  Party disunity and loss of control
• Who succeeded Tony Blair as Prime Minister?

  Gordon Brown
• Who was the Prime Minister of the UK from 2010 to 2016?

  David Cameron
• What was the political context when Cameron became Prime Minister?

  The Conservatives were out of power for 13 years
• What major challenge did Cameron face in 2010?

  Forming a coalition government with the Liberal Democrats
• How was Cameron's leadership style perceived?

  As both a controller and aloof
• What economic policy did Cameron advocate after the 2008 crisis?

  Austerity (spending cuts)
• What was Cameron's parliamentary majority situation in 2010 and 2015?

  No majority in 2010, small majority in 2015
• What party divisions did Cameron inherit?

  A weakened, divided Conservative Party
• What are the key themes across the case studies of UK Prime Ministers?

  • Large parliamentary majorities strengthen PM power
  • Political events shape PM success (e.g., Iraq War, financial crisis)
  • Internal divisions limit PM power (e.g., Blair vs Brown, Cameron's splits)
  • PMs attempt to expand authority but face constraints
• What are key terms related to the UK Prime Minister's role?

  • Cabinet: PM and senior ministers
  • Collective Responsibility: Ministers support Cabinet decisions
  • Executive: PM, Cabinet, and junior ministers
  • Government Department: Branch responsible for specific policies