Thatcher and Johnson case study Flashcards
(21 cards)
What leadership style did Margaret Thatcher adopt as Prime Minister?
- authoritative and presidential
- dominated Cabinet and decision-making.
How did Thatcher manage her Cabinet initially?
Included ideological opponents (‘Wets’) to maintain party unity.
What event highlighted Thatcher’s dominance over her Cabinet?
The 1982 Falklands War — swift, centralised decision-making boosted her authority.
What caused tensions in Thatcher’s Cabinet towards the end of her premiership?
Divisions over Europe membership and leadership style led to high-profile resignations (e.g. Geoffrey Howe 1990).
What was the significance of Geoffrey Howe’s resignation?
Triggered a leadership challenge that led to Thatcher’s resignation in 1990.
In what way did external events shape Thatcher’s control over Cabinet?
- Falklands War enhanced dominance
- economic issues and poll tax riots later weakened her.
What leadership style did Boris Johnson adopt as Prime Minister?
- Charismatic and media-focused
- centralised power, reducing Cabinet influence.
How did Johnson manage Cabinet appointments in 2019?
Filled Cabinet with loyal Brexit supporters, sacking dissenters like Jeremy Hunt
What external event tested Johnson’s PM-Cabinet relationship?
COVID-19 pandemic — decision-making centralised through No.10 advisors.
What role did the ‘Partygate’ scandal play in Johnson’s relationship with Cabinet?
- Eroded trust and authority
- led to high-profile resignations (e.g. Rishi Sunak).
How did Johnson’s parliamentary majority impact his authority?
80-seat majority in 2019 empowered him to control Cabinet and marginalise opposition.
What was the significance of the July 2022 mass Cabinet resignations?
Collapsed Johnson’s authority, forcing his resignation as party leader and PM.
What was the economic policy Thatcher introduced in her early years?
Monetarism – controlling inflation by reducing public spending and increasing interest rates.
Example of strong PM control: 1984 miners’ strike
Thatcher refused to compromise with the NUM, using police and legal tools to break the strike. This demonstrated her political strength and ideological commitment.
What was the 1986 Single European Act, and how did it reflect her control?
Thatcher agreed to further European integration, showing pragmatism and control over the pro- and anti-Europe factions in her Cabinet (at the time).
What was the impact of the Poll Tax (1990)?
Widespread riots and Conservative backlash—seen as out of touch. Major factor in her downfall.
What does Thatcher’s career illustrate about PM power?
Even dominant PMs are vulnerable to Cabinet rebellion, public backlash, and internal party divisions.
Example of strong control: Brexit Withdrawal Agreement
Quickly renegotiated and passed Brexit deal in Jan 2020, ending years of parliamentary deadlock.
Example of strong control: COVID-19 legislation
Used emergency powers to centralise decision-making during pandemic, minimising Cabinet involvement.
What role did advisers like Dominic Cummings play?
Cummings exercised major influence over government strategy, sidelining Cabinet—especially in early COVID-19 response.
What does Johnson’s premiership show about PM power?
Even with a large majority, personal conduct and loss of trust can lead to collapse of support from both Cabinet and MPs.
