ETVT the pm is now presidential Flashcards
structure
can the Pm ACT like the head of state
does the PM have a west wing
can the PM develop personal legitimacy
LOA
no
- yes head of state examples
Foreign Policy Leadership:
Tony Blair led foreign policy during the Iraq War, bypassing cabinet discussions and denying ministers access to key documents.
Gordon Brown hosted the 2009 G20 Summit, coordinating the global response to the 2008 Financial Crisis.
Brexit Negotiations:
PMs like Theresa May and Boris Johnson personally led negotiations with the EU, shaping the Withdrawal Agreement, reinforcing the PM as chief negotiator.
Emergency Leadership:
Boris Johnson during COVID-19 held daily televised briefings and rallied public support, acting as a unifying national figure—similar to a head of state.
International Representation:
Keir Starmer 2025 met with Trump, Zelensky, and European leaders over the Ukraine war, taking the lead in foreign policy after the U.S. reduced aid.
De facto Head of State:
Although the monarch is the formal Head of State, Prime Ministers routinely meet foreign leaders, make statements on international crises, and represent the UK globally—further presidential in style.
- no head of state
Personality & Popularity Limits Presidential Style:
Less charismatic PMs like John Major, Gordon Brown, and Theresa May struggled to act presidential compared to Blair or Thatcher.
David Cameron lacked presidential authority due to coalition constraints with the Liberal Democrats (2010–15).
Sunak Delegating Foreign Policy:
Rishi Sunak gave key foreign policy roles to Lord Cameron, who led UK efforts in Israel-Palestine peace talks and UK-US action in Yemen—showing a less presidential approach.
PM Not Official Head of State:
The monarch plays the ceremonial diplomatic role, limiting the PM’s presidential image.
Starmer, in Feb 2025, gave Trump a personal letter from King Charles inviting him for a second state visit—highlighting use of the monarch for diplomacy.
- yes west wing
PM’s central power has grown – Downing Street now functions like a US-style West Wing, reducing reliance on cabinet.
Use of SPADs has expanded:
Major had 8 SPADs; Blair had 30 by 2005.
Johnson’s advisor Cummings had huge influence and was publicly defended despite breaking COVID rules.
Starmer (2024) had 20+ SPADs in No.10, 80+ across government. Key figure: Morgan McSweeney, Chief of Staff.
PM’s Office rivals departments – Blair used the Strategy Unit and Delivery Unit to control major policies like Health and Education directly.
- no west wing
PMs rely on cabinet ministers – Power is shared, not centralised like a US President.
Sunak delegated key roles: Hunt led economic policy and announced , national insurance tax cut in 2023 AUTUMN STATEMENT Cameron led foreign policy. Israel Palestine and us uk Houthi rebels attacks in Yemen
May was weakened by Brexit rebels and no majority. BJ hardline brexiteers
coalition and small majorities
Cameron had to negotiate with Clegg in coalition.
Johnson depended on ministers like Hancock during COVID to manage crisis and present unity.
- for personal legit
PMs can build personal popularity using the media, distancing themselves from their party (Michael Foley’s spatial leadership).
Boris Johnson (2019) – Branded himself as a break from 9 years of Tory rule, distancing from austerity, appealing to Red Wall voters.
Tony Blair – Mastered media image, gained strong public support early on, allowing him to dominate policy areas like health and education.
Media growth (TV, social media, leader debates) helps PMs appear presidential and lead from the front.
- no legit
PMs aren’t fully presidential as they must stay accountable to their party and Parliament to stay in office and pass legislation.
May, Johnson, and Truss were all forced out by their cabinets/parties after losing popularity, showing limits to PM dominance.
The role is elastic — push it too far, and resistance builds.
Margaret Thatcher was ousted in 1990 despite her majority, after pushing through the unpopular Poll Tax and sidelining her cabinet.
