the Prime Minister is only as powerful as their party allows them to be. Flashcards
Party Support Is Crucial for Authority
Theresa May (2016–2019) repeatedly failed to unite her party over Brexit and suffered 33 defeats in Parliament, including the largest ever defeat (230 votes) in January 2019.
PMs Can Be Forced Out by Their Own Party
Boris Johnson was forced to resign in 2022 after over 50 ministers resigned and key cabinet members (Rishi Sunak, Sajid Javid) withdrew support.
Party Management Is Key to Legislative Success
David Cameron faced constant pressure from the Eurosceptic wing of the Conservative Party, eventually calling the 2016 EU referendum in part to appease backbenchers.
Strong Mandate = Strong PM
Margaret Thatcher dominated her party and government for over a decade due to her strong electoral performance and control over policy.– only defeated 4 times during her 11 years as PM
(or boris to pass brexit deal with 80 seat majority)
Patronage Powers Help Control the Party
When she became PM in September 2022, Truss filled top cabinet roles with close political allies such as loyalists
BUT The lack of internal scrutiny and groupthink led to policy disaster, a market crash, and ultimately her resignation after just 44 days.
The Whips’ Office and Party Discipline Remain Strong
In most majority governments, over 90% of government bills pass unamended due to party unity and discipline.
