Presidents in all but name?

Question 1

What is ‘spatial leadership’?

Answer 1

A prime minister creates their own space by distancing themselves from their party and securing a personal mandate directly from the public.

Question 2

Thatcher:

Answer 2

1. During the Falklands War (1982) and the miner’s strike (1984-85) it was her that provided the leadership people were focused on.
2. Won support from C2 voters who traditionally voted Labour, shows the strength of her ‘spatial’ appeal.

Question 3

Tony Blair:

Answer 3

1. Highly personal rhetoric, emphasising his moral focus. ‘The people entrusted me with the task of leading the country.’
2. He approached the government policy with so much energy that focused attention on Blair. His high-profile interventions were crucial in driving forward the NI peace process. (‘This is not a time for soundbites’)
3. In the weeks leading up to the invasion of Iraq 2003, he reached beyond Parliament and put the case for war directly to Parliament.

Question 4

David Cameron:

Answer 4

1. Understood how to use the media spotlight.
2. Many times he associated a specific policy with his personal authority rather than his government.
3. Did this when he personally put forward the case for same-sex marriage.
4. 2014 Scottish referendum.
5. 2016 EU referendum Cameron deployed the personal prestige of his office to back Better Together and Remain.