Prime Ministers Flashcards
When was David Cameron PM between?
2010-2016
What type of Conservatism did Cameron align with?
One Nation Conservatism (more centre right)
What were Characteristics of the Cameron government?
First coalition in 70 years with Lim Dem in 2010 (leader = Nick Clegg)
First majority Conservative government in 2 decades
What were some highlight Acts passed under Cameron?
Fixed Term Parliaments Act 2011 (repealed)- fixed general election date every 5 years
Academies Act 2010- schools can apply to become academies, which give them more funding
Education Act 2011- provisions about childcare, education, apprenticeship and training.
Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013- allows people of the same sex to get married, whilst also protecting the rights of groups (ie religious groups) who do not agree with same sex marriage
Succession to the Crown Act 2013- ends the system where a younger male can displace an elder daughter in the line of succession
What was Cameron’s Austerity plan?
5 year Austerity plan: post global financial crisis of 2008, lots of budget cuts-> reduce budget deficit, stimulate economic growth and job creation
- Over 500,000 lay offs of public sector employees
- Most extensive spending cuts in decades
- But created over 2 million private sector jobs (offset loss of public jobs), but may have not been
the same pay/undone the damage
- Increased homelessnes, unemployment and poverty (hit the poor the most) ie due to impacts like lack of job availability
How did Cameron show he wanted to become the greenest government thus far?
Wanted to become the greenest government ever
- World first green investment bank
- Uk led leading role in Paris climate change agreement
How did Cameron help establish global links for Britain?
Made it a priority to build stronger relationships with India and China + worked closely with Barack Obama
2011, joined NATO-led coalition against then Libya Leader
UK success in hosting 2012 olympic + paralypmic games
How was Cameron’s government democratic?
3 referendums: democratic government
- Alternative vote referendum 2011: national vote on if the current electoral system (FPTP) should change
- 2014: should Scotland be an independant country (campaigned for Scotland to remain)
- 2016: Vote on Brexit (campaigned to remain)
UK voted to leave
He then resigned as MP and PM
What was the history of Cameron as Conservative Leader and the Conservative government rule around 2010?
2010- Conservatives out of power for 13 years + maintained deep divisions over membership of the EU
Cameron became party leader in 2005- had lack of experience BUT confidence and media presence + damage of 2008 financial crash to Labour Party helped make Conservative Party the largest party
- Still had to settle for coalition with slim majority, impacting ability to control events
What was the State of the Conservative party like for Cameron?
2005 state of Conservative party
- Was demoralised by 3 previous consecutive election defeats
- Divided party + remained divided-> provided major barrier to Cameron becoming dominant leader, but party did unite for need for programme of austerity after 2008 financial crash to be able to govern effectively
BUT constant internal divisions on the UK relationship with the EU, making his party difficult to lead, leading to his downfall
What were Cameron’s government’s Key Policy Goals?
- Programme of Austerity: higher taxes + reduced public spending to reduce government financial deficit
- Progressive social policies: ie Same Sex marriage
- Promoting more devolution, mainly to Scotland
- Reduce direct taxes on those with very low or very high incomes
- Targeted reduction in welfare benefits in order to encourage more people to find work
- Subsidies for pre-school childcare to help families with young children and encourage work
- Significant rise in the minimum ‘living’ wage
- Introducing sharp increases un University tuition fees
Decisions to hold a referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU
How did Cameron show he was in control as PM?
- Despite coalition, Cameron was largely able to dominate the Cabinet and follow his own agenda
- Able to implement sweeping ‘austerity’ measures to deal with growing national debt
- Agreed to hold Brexit referendum, able to force that through parliament
- Able to campaign and ‘win’ Scottish independence referendum in 2014 through personal persuasion and media appearances
Able to push through same sex marriage in Parliament, despite some opposition within his own party
How did Cameron lack control as PM?
- Unable to remove Lib Dem cabinet members who criticised him, ie Vince Cable
- 2008 global financial crisis would lead to crisis in eurozone, dominating the financial decisions he could make + limiting his options
- Had to call for referendum, shows inability to control the Eurosceptic wing of party and growing threat of UKIP
- Cameron had opposed a Scottish independence referendum, but political pressure from the devolved referendum forced him to grant it
Failed to get parliamentary support for his planned intervention in Syria
What was Cameron’s style of leadership like?
- Problems exerting personal power that he would’ve likes to have
- Formed strong bond with Chancellor George Osborne to combat leadership barriers and Home Secretary + eventual successor Theresa May
- Kept rivals close by avoiding temptation to remove them from government
Thus such opponents as Michael Gove, Iain Duncan Smith and Boris Johnson remained near the centre of power
What were Prominent events for Cameron as PM?
- Cameron’s main achievement may be seen as government’s success in bringing the UK out of recession and stabilising the financial system.
- Also be notable for having kept together a coalition for full 5 years + following election victory
- Lots of foreign policy setbacks, especially when Parliament restricted his freedom to intervene with Syrian civil war (MPs vetoed military intervention)
UK referendum on EU membership, loss defining his premiership
What were the circumstances of Cameron’s loss of power?
Inevitable he would have to resign following defeat in referendum, campaigning strongly to remain
What years was Boris Johnson PM between?
2019-22
What were Boris Johnsons previous jobs?
Previously Foreign Secretary (2016-18) and Mayor of London (2008-16)
What was the state of the Conservative party just before Johnson?
- Promoted a ‘Hard Brexit’ whilst May struggled to pass her Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, failing 3 times
- 42/60 ministerial resignations under May due to Brexit (party division)
Party lost support in May, lack of strong leadership and vision for future of Brexit due to repeated loss and division around Brexit agreements.
- 42/60 ministerial resignations under May due to Brexit (party division)
What were Johnson’s Key Policy Goals?
- Wanted to Leave EU by January 2020
- Commitment to leaving EU with or without a deal
- No income tax, national insurance or VAT rises
- Pension rise by 2.5% yearly
- Reach net zero by 2050
- Introduce points based immigration system
- Continue roll out of universal credit
Freeze tuition fees at £9,250
How did Johnson show he was in control?
- Delivered Brexit
- Eurosceptics supported him
How was Johnson not in control?
- Lots of scandals ie Partygate, Matt Hancock affair, Chris Pincher
- Eventual loss of support amongst MPs, seeing him as electoral liability
Unlawful prorogation of Parliament
- Eventual loss of support amongst MPs, seeing him as electoral liability
What was Johnson’s style of leadership as PM?
- Successful campaigner
- Lack of self reflection as PM, lots of scandals and was defensive, even to his resignation (blaming lots of other MPs)
Lack of transparency + scandals made him less reliable in the Public eye, lack of taking responsability for it made him seem defensive and untrustworthy
- Lack of self reflection as PM, lots of scandals and was defensive, even to his resignation (blaming lots of other MPs)
What were Prominent events for Johnson as PM?
- Passed Brexit Withdrawal Agreement
- Sanctions on Russia, authorising foreign aid and weapon shipment to Ukraine
- Partygate
Covid 19 vaccination programme, one of the fastest in the world
What were the circumstances of Johnson’s loss of power?
- Lost support of MPs, similar to Thatcher. Became electoral liability (Conservatives polling around 16 points behind Labour)
- Lack of trust amongst MPs and people
Investigation into Partygate scandal
- Lack of trust amongst MPs and people
What were some of Sunak’s Key Policy Goals?
In Sunak’s campaign launch video in 2022, he said he would ‘restore trust, rebuild the economy and reunite the country’. He said that his values were ‘patriotism, fairness, hard work’ and pledged to ‘crack down on gender neutral language’. Liz Truss won in September, but resigned less than 50 days later. Rishi won the October 2022 election.
Sunak outlined five key priorities in January 2023; halving inflation, growing the economy, cutting debt, reducing NHS waiting lists, and stopping the boats.
What were Prominent events under Sunak as PM?
Sunak postponed the banning of the sale of petrol and diesel cars to 2035, justifying this as preventing working class families from shouldering ‘unacceptable costs’ of net zero policies. Sunak also cancelled the completion of the HS2 rail line. He pledged to stop the boats, meaning that he wanted to stop illegal migration. He planned to merge A-Levels and T-Levels into a proposed Advanced British Standard qualification.
What were the circumstances of Sunak’s Loss of Power?
When he was elected, he also didn’t have much popular support, as only MPs voted him in as there was minimal competition after Truss resigned. Rishi Sunak announced the General Election several months earlier than he needed to, believing that the economic improvements would make the party more popular. He suffered a crushing defeat by the Labour party under Starmer, and resigned on the 5th of July 2024.
What was the state of the Conservative Party before Theresa May?
▪ Deep divisions over Brexit with Eurosceptics and pro-EU members
What were Prominent events under May?
▪ Triggering Article 50 (2017): Began the formal process of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
▪ 2017 General Election: Called a snap election to strengthen her mandate but lost the Conservative majority.
▪ Brexit Negotiations: Focused on negotiating the Withdrawal Agreement, which was repeatedly rejected by Parliament.
▪ Leadership Challenges: Survived a no-confidence vote in 2018 but faced relentless opposition within her party.
Resignation (2019): Announced her resignation after failing to secure parliamentary approval for her Brexit deal.
What were the circumstances of May’s loss of power as PM?
▪ Couldn’t pass her Brexit withdrawal agreement - rejected three times
Lost her second Meaningful Vote by 149 votes
What was May’s leadership style?
▪ Specifically presented herself as task-oriented and transactional
▪ Utilitarian work ethic
▪ Kept an emotional distance, nicknamed the ‘Maybot’
What showed May was in control as PM?
- Survived the no-confidence vote
- Limited immigration
What showed May lacked control as PM?
Ø Repeatedly failed to pass her Brexit Withdrawal agreement
Ø Lost her parliamentary majority in 2017 snap election
Ø Rebellion from divisions of her party on Brexit
60 ministers resigned under her government (42 due to Brexit)
What was the state of the Conservative Party at the Premiership of Liz Truss?
- Became leader of the Conservative Party on 6th September 2022, succeeding Boris Johnson. She won the leadership contest by a significant margin, defeating Rishi Sunak, her rival, with 57% of the vote among Conservative members
- Assumed office during a period of internal division within the Conservative Party, exacerbated by the fallout from Johnson’s resignation over scandals (such as ‘Partygate’) and the ongoing challenges of Brexit
What were some of Truss’ Key Policy Goals?
- Truss’ key economic policy, known as the ‘Trussonomics’ plan, revolved around cutting taxes to stimulate economic growth. This included a £45 billion tax-cutting package, which notably scrapped the planned rise in corporation tax and reduced the highest income tax band
She also pushed for a more aggressive approach to deregulation, particularly in sectors such as finance and energy, aiming to boost economic growth through market liberalisation and reduced government intervention
What was Truss’ style of leadership?
- Truss was known for her decisiveness, taking bold actions quickly (such as her economic plan), but this often led to her being perceived as too isolated from both her Cabinet and party colleagues
However, she often faced challenges with public communication. Her inability to effectively convey her policies, particularly her economic agenda, led to confusion and criticism. Additionally, her delivery often appeared stiff, especially in media engagements
What were Prominent events for Truss as PM?
- Queen Elizabeth II’s Death (8th September 2022) - Truss’ first weeks in office were marked by the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the national period of mourning. While she successfully navigated the public duties associated with the event, her leadership was still very new, and the mood in the country was overwhelmingly sombre
- Mini-Budget and Financial Turmoil (Late September 2022) - A week later, Truss’ “mini-budget” was announced by then Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng. The plan included unfunded tax cuts aimed at boosting growth, however it led to a financial crisis, with the pound crumbling and government borrowing costs soaring, leading to The Bank of England having to intervene to stabilise markets. people’s interest rates rose.
Resignation of Kwasi Kwarteng (14th October 2022) - After the mini-budget led to major financial market backlash, Kwarteng was forced to resign, and Truss appointed Jeremy Hunt as Chancellor in an effort to stabilise the economy, signalling a shift away from her original hypothetically reformative economic policies
- Mini-Budget and Financial Turmoil (Late September 2022) - A week later, Truss’ “mini-budget” was announced by then Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng. The plan included unfunded tax cuts aimed at boosting growth, however it led to a financial crisis, with the pound crumbling and government borrowing costs soaring, leading to The Bank of England having to intervene to stabilise markets. people’s interest rates rose.
What were the circumstances Truss’ loss of power as PM?
- Following the market turmoil caused by the mini-budget, Truss was forced to perform multiple policy reversals, including reversing tax cuts and re-committing to fiscal discipline. This instability undermined her credibility and led to growing dissatisfaction within her party
- By October, Truss’s position had become untenable. Conservative MPs began publicly calling for her resignation, and it became clear that she could not maintain the support of her party. On October 20th, she announced her resignation after just 44 days in office, making her the shortest serving Prime Minister in UK history. Her departure was precipitated by a combination of policy failures, internal party dissent, and plummeting approval ratings
The short length of her premiership was the subject of much ridicule, most notably from a livestream of a head of lettuce started the week prior to her appointment, inviting viewers to speculate whether Truss would resign before the lettuce wilted
- By October, Truss’s position had become untenable. Conservative MPs began publicly calling for her resignation, and it became clear that she could not maintain the support of her party. On October 20th, she announced her resignation after just 44 days in office, making her the shortest serving Prime Minister in UK history. Her departure was precipitated by a combination of policy failures, internal party dissent, and plummeting approval ratings
What was Johnson’s N10 like?
Lots of firing
Lots of resignations
Tension between Carrie Johnson and press officials
* Lots of scandals i.e. Partygate, Matt Hancock affair, Chris Pincher
* Eventual loss of support amongst MPs, seeing him as electoral liability
* Unlawful prorogation of Parliament
* Faced revolts from some Conservative MPs who were anti lockdown (against state action- Libertarian, Fair right MPs)
* won a vote of no confidence
* he was very disorganised, often late, wet hair, unbuttoned shirt etc.
* there really for his charisma and personable persona
- wanted to get brexit done
Who was Dominic Cummings?
Johnson’s chief adviser: 24 July 2019 - 13 November 2020
Took BJ a long time to sack him
May 22nd 2020
broke lockdown to travel to Barnard castle to test his eyes to see if he was well enough to drive, when he was supposed to be self isolating
Called Boris Johnson a ‘Shopping Trolley’
Who is Simon Case?
Cabinet Secretary, 2020-25 (under Johnson)
Appointed to investigate Partygate. Resigned from the inquiry after discovering he actually had a party himself. Was not charged.
Had a neurological condition and spent a lot of time on sick leave.
The youngest ever Cabinet Secretary - argument to be made that he was inexperienced.
Was not independent enough or assertive enough
How was Covid under Johnson?
- fastest vaccination programme in the world
partygate - led to lots of controversy, polling went down from public and within party
When did Kier Starmer become PM?
Became PM on the 5th July 2024
What are controversies under Starmer so far?
- Freebie controversy
- Recently his anti-corruption minister has recently been questioned over he London properties which are linked to her aunt, the recently removed Bangladesh PM. - Keir has defended her
- He has been criticised for deciding to not go ahead with the appointment of Gwyn Jenkins as national security advisors. Jenkins was originally appointed by Rishi Sunak, and Starmer’s decision to replace him has received criticism because it appears that he was looking appoint someone more politically loyal.
Who is Sue Gray?
- Was a civil servant
- Reported on Gategate
- Reported on Partygate
- Joined the Labour Party and became Chief of Staff in 2023
- Criticised for party bias and undermining civil service
- Broke civil service code with her talks to the Labour Party
- Earned a higher salary than Starmer as Downing Street Chief of Staff
- Resigned Oct 2024 due to “intense commentary”, paid £3000 more than starmer
- Immediately after was given life peerage by Starmer
Who is Christ Wormald?
Currently serving as Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service since 2024
What are controversies surrounding Chris Wormald?
- He was criticised for his role during the Covid pandemic with the COVID-19 Bereaved Families for Justice
“Time and again, Christopher Wormald has refused in the UK Covid Inquiry to accept failures on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care, despite irrefutable evidence to the contrary, backed up by the experiences of everyone in the UK during the pandemic,”
What did Boris Johnson’s first cabinet in 2019 look like?
- Women were 24% compared to 51% of people nationally.
- BAME MPs were 18% compared to 14% nationally.
Privately educated MPs made up 64% compared to 7% nationally (including four Old Etonians).
- BAME MPs were 18% compared to 14% nationally.
