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Powers of PM |
Constraints |
| Patronage |
- appoints ministers
- allocates cabinet posts
- reshuffles cabinet
- dismisses ministers
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- claims of senior colleagues for inclusion and specific posts· Labour PM required to appoint first cabinet from elected shadow cabinet
- desirability of ideological balance
- unintended consequences of botched reshuffles
- possibility of sacked ministers emerging as rivals for leadership
- availability of talented backbenchers
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| Authority in the cabinet system |
- chairs cabinet meetings
- manages the cabinet agenda
- steers, sums up and determines outcome of cabinet discussions
- holds bilateral and informal meetings with key ministers
- appoints chairs and members of cabinet committees
- restructure central government
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- requires cabinet support on major or controversial issues
- senior ministers have authority and may challenge the PMs preferred policy
- problems may arise if senior ministers feel they are being ignored
- not involved in detailed policy making in cabinet committees
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| Party leadership |
- authority as the leader of a political party
- elected by MPs and party members
- enjoys a majority in the House of Commons
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- support of party is not unconditional
- possibility of backbench rebellions
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| Public standing |
- high public profile
- communication-in-chief for the government
- political leaders in times of crisis
- represents country in international affairs
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- unpopularity with the electorate undermines authority
- may become the focus of media criticism
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| Policy-making role |
- directs government policy and sets the agenda
- authority to become involved in policy areas of choosing
- takes the key role in times of crisis
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- limited time and lack of detailed knowledge
- lacks the resources provided by a government department
- may be difficult to achieve policy success
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| Prime Ministers’ Office |
- Prime Minister’s Office provides advice and support
- better enables PM to direct policy and act as a communicator
- appoints special advisers
- can reorganise the structure of the government
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- Prime Ministers’ Office has limited resources (staff, funding)
- power of other departments, especially the Treasury
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