Extra-Party leaders Flashcards
How was the leadership of the British PM described by US writer Ranney?
as ‘one of autocracy tempered by advice and information’
What is the 1922 committee?
this is the collective name for all back bench Conservative members
What two examples suggest that PM’s are not secure?
the challenge to Margret Thatcher in 19889 and forced resignation in 1990.
John Major who was challenged in 1995
What are examples in the Conservative party which reflect that leaders are not secure? (3)
William hague following the 2001 defeat
- the defeat of Iain Duncan Smith who never had the opportunity who never had the opportunity to lead the party to an election.
- Michael Howard after defeat of the 2005 general election
What did the 1918 Constitution (labour party) do in regards to leadership?
it imposed restrictions on the power of the leaders to ensure his subservience to the party in parliament and to the mass organisation outside
When in opposition what must the labour leader attend?
back bench meetings of the parliamentary labour party (PLP)
Who did the dominance of leadership begin under?
Neil Kinnock
Why did many lament Blair’s centralisation of power?
as he became more out of touch with grass roots members
Since 1945 the Conservatives have had how many different leaders?
12
Since 1945 how many leaders have Labour had?
11
What year did Tony Blair announce that he would not fight a fourth general election as Labour leader?
2004
What year did Labour reform its selection process?
1981
How have both Labour and Conservatives reformed its party leader selection process?
the membership now has a say in the choice
Under who’s leadership did the Conservative party leader selection process get reformed?
William Hague
When can a sitting leading be challenged in the Conservative party?
When 15% of the parliamentary party express no confidence in the leader
What is 15% of the parliamentary party in terms of number of MP’s?
25 MP’s
What would the 25 MP’s (15%) of the parliamentary party have to do when challenging a sitting leader?
They must sign an open letter to the chairman of the back bench 1922 Committee
What does the leader need to win in a secret ballot on a motion of confidence in his leadership?
50% + 1
What happens when a vacancy occurs because of the resignation or death of the incumbent?
Then the parliamentary party moves straight into a series of ballots of MPs
What happened in 2003 after Iain Duncan Smith failed to secure enough votes in a leadership challenge?
there was no contest, Michael Howard was the undisputed candidate for the job
What system does Labour use when electing party leaders?
They use the electoral college
What is the Electoral College?
this is a party mechanism for election someone to an office, its members being selected or elected to represent different parts of the party
How does Labour’s electoral college work?
it includes a 33% share for each of the parliamentary labour party, the party members and the trade unions
What % of Labour MP’s need to back those MP’s who wish to become party leader where there is a vacancy?
12.5%
