Role of PM

• PM decides the political direction taken by the government, setting its priorities and strategies. They often directly determin or shape high profile policies

  Thatcher's privatisation of the government - she could essentially do as she wanted as she had a strong majority and the support of her cabinet and parliament
• The PM should be a predominant political figure that provides national leadership during times of crisis. They are responsible for national security and they act as a key figurehead in the government

  Boris Johnson's handling of Covid without holding any Cabinet meetings
• The PM appoints and dismisses ministers and determines the make up of the government

  Liz Truss didn't have a single white man in her cabinet

  None of the original ministers in Thatcher's cabinet remained in the 11 years of her premiership
• The PM sets the cabinet agenda and steers its decisions. They create cabinet committees and hold bilateral meetings with a select few ministers who are relevant to the discussed policy

  Regular Cabinet meetings under Tony Blair and David Cameron
• The PM exercises their prerogative powers by deploying armed forces overseas and recommending some public appointments

  Tony Blair - Iraq War

  Margaret Thatcher - Falklands War
• The PM represents the UK in international affairs such as Brexit - Theresa May and Boris Johnson in Brexit negotiations
• The PM has the license to be involved in whichever issues they wish and can guide policy. They often lack the time and expertise to have any significant involvement in many issues, however, policies can undermine a PM's ability to lead and their judgement.

  Thatcher forced Geoffrey Howe to put a focus on European Exchange rate mechanisms. She led her policies on the Falklands, poll tax, and nationalisation

  Blair - Iraq War

  May chaired 11 cabinet committees
• PMs need to have their party's support and confidence to ensure there is an efficient government. If they don't have support or confidence, they may be forced to resign or forcibly removed through a vote of no confidence

  May resigned despite winning votes of no confidence

  Thatcher lost a leadership contest in 1990