PM dictating events

• A pre- eminent PM will have only institutional power resources such as legal head of government, the Prime Minister's Office, and the ability to set the political agenda
• A pre- dominant PM has both institutional powers as well as their own personal power resources such as leadereship ability, reputation, high standing within their party and electoral popularity
• Introduction of the Poll Tax 1990 - Margaret Thatcher

  The Poll Tax appeared to be very unpopular in Scotland. Riots broke out as a response in London and elsewhere.

  Thatcher was held solely responsible for the Poll Tax as she was PM and mostly responsible for it. She refused to listen to the advice of members of her party. She had full control over policy making but not any power over people - the riots were violent and the media criticised the policy
• The Invasion of Iraq 2003 - Tony Blair

  The US - UK coalition aimed to disarm Iraq of WMD and to end Saddam Hussein's support and to free the Iraqi people. The trigger of the war was Iraq's failure to take a final opportunity to disarm itself of alleged WMD that was deemed an immediate and intolerable threat to world peace

  Blair chose to invade despite his party disagreeing. There was no treaty forcing Blair into the invasion except his close relationship with George Bush
• The early General Election 2017 - Theresa May

  May wanted the endorsement of the electorate as she was not elected as PM. The Conservatives were ahead in the polls but still lost some seats to Labour, causing May to lose her majority.

  May thought she would win the snap election, capitalising on her perceived advantage. Ultimately, it was her decision but she had taken advice from her political advisers