Evaluate The View That The Prime Minister Is Now Presidential.

Question 1

P1: Agree Act Like A Head Of State

Answer 1

1. During national emergencies, where they represent the UK internationally.
2. TB had a close personal relationship with George Bush and dominated Iraq War decisions, sidelining cabinet input.
3. During Brexit, PMs (May and Johnson) led negotiations with the EU, reflecting their role as the UK’s international representative.
4. Gordon Brown hosted the 2009 G20 and coordinated the global response to the 2008 financial crisis.
5. In the COVID-19 pandemic, Boris Johnson was popular and regularly addressed the nation, acting as a unifying figure.
6. In 2025, Starmer represented the UK in major foreign policy talks on the Ukraine war. Bilateral meeting with Trump and a meeting with European leaders.

Question 2

P1: Disagree Limited by Other Factors

Answer 2

1. Less charismatic or less popular PMs, like John Major, Gordon Brown, and Theresa May, struggle to act presidentially.
2. The size of their parliamentary majority also matters; for example, David Cameron’s coalition government limited his presidential style. Cooperate with LDs
3. Rishi Sunak has delegated significant foreign policy roles to his Foreign Secretary, Lord Cameron.
4. The UK monarch remains the official Head of State and plays a key role in diplomacy, sometimes complementing the PM’s role. For instance, Starmer used a letter from King Charles to Trump as a diplomatic tool during a 2025 meeting.

Question 3

P2: Agree Less Reliance On Cabinet, Having A West Wing

Answer 3

1. Special Advisors (SPADs), who are unelected and appointed directly by the PM, have become increasingly influential.
2. Tony Blair expanded the number of SPADs from 8 (under John Major) to 30 by 2005.
3. Dominic Cummings was a particularly powerful advisor under Boris Johnson, despite controversies.
4. 2024, Keir Starmer had appointed over 20 SPADs in Number 10 and 80 across government, with his Chief of Staff, Morgan McSweeney, wielding significant influence
5. Strong support from the Prime Minister’s Office and Cabinet Office, giving them greater oversight and ability to steer policy and strategy, exemplified by Blair’s use of Strategy and Delivery Units to drive key policies in health and education.

Question 4

P2: Disagree Rely on The Cabinet

Answer 4

1. The UK government follows a core-executive model where power is fragmented, and the PM acts more as a manager.
2. Cabinet ministers run their departments and have significant autonomy, especially when the PM has a small majority or limited popularity.
3. Under Sunak, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and Foreign Secretary David Cameron shaped and led key policies independently.
4. Theresa May’s Brexit deal was heavily influenced by hardline Brexiters and the DUP, reflecting the PM’s need to compromise within the Cabinet and party.
5. Coalition and minority governments since 2010 required close consultation with key Cabinet members.
6. Cabinet unity remains crucial for public image and effective crisis management, such as during COVID-19 when Johnson relied on ministers like Matt Hancock.

Question 5

P3: Agree Can Develop Personal Legitimacy

Answer 5

1. Michael Foley’s idea of ‘Spatial Leadership.’
2. Boris Johnson in 2019 distanced himself from the Conservative Party’s long rule, presenting himself as a fresh alternative, which helped win over former Labour voters.
3. The PM’s personal popularity can help shape and push policy, aided by the rise of TV, social media, and leader debates that focus public attention on individuals rather than parties.
4. Tony Blair also successfully built personal support, especially through the right-wing press, allowing him significant control over government policy early in his premiership.

Question 6

P3: Disagree Still Accountable To Their Party

Answer 6

1. Needing their support to pass legislation and stay in office.
2. If a PM distances themselves too much from the party or sidelines the cabinet, they risk being removed—especially if their public popularity declines.
3. Recent PMs like Theresa May, Boris Johnson, and Liz Truss were ousted by their cabinets and party for this reason.
4. Margaret Thatcher was eventually removed by her cabinet partly because of her unpopular Poll Tax policy and sidelining of colleagues.