the Prime Minister is only as powerful as their party allows them to be.

Question 1

Party Support Is Crucial for Authority

Answer 1

1. Theresa May (2016–2019) repeatedly failed to unite her party over Brexit and suffered 3 defeats, including the largest ever defeat (230 votes) in January 2019.
2. even majorities can be defeated ie boris johnson Bojo defeated over closing schools during COVID in 2021
3. Tony Blair Iraq war 2003– clare short and robin cook resigned from cabinet over this – deterioration of his authority

Question 2

PMs Can Be Forced Out by Their Own Party

Answer 2

1. 1Boris Johnson was forced to resign in 2022 after over 50 ministers resigned and key cabinet members (Rishi Sunak, Sajid Javid) withdrew support.
2. Margaret thatcher
3. Particularly over Europe — Thatcher’s Euroscepticism clashed with pro-Europe factions in her Cabinet.

Resignations by key ministers like Geoffrey Howe (whose resignation speech was devastating)

Question 3

Party Management Is Key to Legislative Success

Answer 3

1. David Cameron faced constant pressure from the Eurosceptic wing of the Conservative Party, eventually calling the 2016 EU referendum in part to appease backbenchers.
2. After winning a large Conservative majority in the 2019 election, Johnson easily passed the EU Withdrawal Agreement Act 2020.

Why it succeeded: The strong party discipline and pro-Brexit Conservative majority ensured smooth passage — unlike Theresa May’s repeated failed attempts.

Question 4

Strong Mandate = Strong PM

Answer 4

1. Margaret Thatcher dominated her party and government for over a decade due to her strong electoral performance and control over policy.– only defeated 4 times during her 11 years as PM
2. (or boris to pass brexit deal with 80 seat majority)

Question 5

Patronage Powers Help Control the Party

Answer 5

1. When she became PM in September 2022, Truss filled top cabinet roles with close political allies such as loyalists
   BUT The lack of internal scrutiny and groupthink led to policy disaster, a market crash, and ultimately her resignation after just 44 days.
2. Boris Johnson’s July 2019 Cabinet Reshuffle immediately conducted a sweeping reshuffle, He filled the Cabinet with loyalists who backed his Brexit position, such as:

Priti Patel (Home Secretary)

Question 6

The Whips’ Office and Party Discipline Remain Strong

Answer 6

1. In most majority governments, over 90% of government bills pass unamended due to party unity and discipline.
2. bojo removed whip from 21 Mps over brexit