Evaluate the view that the PM has become president but name (30)

Since the premiership of Thatcher, there has arguably been an alleged “presidentialisation” of the role of the UK PM. The seeming erosion of any form of cabinet gov, notably under Thatcher and Blair years alongside the ongoing development of the downing street machine has portrayed the PM as entirely separated from gov, much like a president. Combined with the personalising nature of the media, the UK PM has never been portrayed more like a president as it is today, especially when it comes to foreign affairs. However, a more convincing argument is that in reality, the PM by no means reassembles a president. Constitutionally the Parliamentary system means that however much PM attempts to copy presidents, they remain constitutionally vulnerable to challenges to their power by their cabinet, party and parliament. Media attention only seeks to replicate a presidential style which doesn’t translate into actual substance. On balance, it's evident that the PM is not a president in all but name. Three themes; the erosion of cabinet government, personalisation of PM, increase of a presidential role in foreign affairs

Theme 1

Erosion of Cabinet government

For 1

Against 1

Theme 2

Personalisation of the PM (role of media)