The document discusses whether the role of the Prime Minister in the UK has become similar to a president. It notes that PMs now have increased importance in foreign affairs and as commander-in-chief. Additionally, the growth of special advisers and the PM's media profile separates them from the government and portrays them as a lone leader. However, the PM is still not head of state and does not have a separate authority from the rest of the government like a president. The document analyzes how the powers of several past PMs, like Thatcher and Blair, have grown in a more presidential style.

1. Is the PM now effectively a president?

2.  Prerogative powers increasingly important –
foreign affairs, military – PM has become
commander in chief and leader of foreign
policy
 With the growth of SPADs there is effectively
a ‘PM’s department similar to EXOP
 Media emphasis on the PM – 2010 GE
 SPATIAL leadership PM is increasingly
separated from the govt and is seen as a lone
figure

3.  PM is not head of state – spokesperson for
the nation?
 More limitations on PM..........................
 PM does not have a separate source of
authority from the rest of the government –
presidents directly responsible to the people
 Weak PMs – presidential image/style?

4.  Thatcher
 Major
 Blair
 Brown
 Cameron

5.  Thatcher -dominated political system – 1982
– 89,dominant ideology, demise of Cabinet,
Falklands War and international statesperson
 Ultimately removed by party colleagues not
the electorate

6.  Gulf War – led foreign policy
 Consensual approach
 Not a dominant personality
 Divided Cabinet
 Without a strong majority
 International profile?

7.  Growth of spads
 Commander in chief – Kosovo, Sierra Leone,
Iraq and Afghanistan
 World statesman
 Bilateral meetings/weakened Cabinet
 Driven out of office by party colleagues?
 Iraq war – undermined his authority

8.  Dominant personal leadership position at
home and abroad during the financial crisis
 Personal standing in the country steadily
declined
 Limited by divided Cabinet
 Presidential style?

9.  International statesperson – EU, Libya
 Commander in chief – Libya
 Impact of coalition government
 Mandate to govern?