Prime Minister and the executive

Proposing legislation

The Executive proposes new laws or amendments, and a new programme, written by the government, is seen by the monarch at the start of each parliamentary session.

Doctor's mandate

A situation where the Executive makes decisions that aren't on their manifesto, used to implement new legislation to deal with emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.

2020 COVID-19 pandemic

An example of a situation where the Executive had to use the doctor's mandate to implement new legislation.

Proposing the budget

The budget is created by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Prime Minister, and it is an annual statement of the government's plans for tax changes and public spending.

New budget

If a new government comes to power, it will present its own new budget.

Making policy decisions

The Executive decides how to make its future aims effective for the country, such as the introduction of Universal Credit by the 2010-15 Coalition.

Executive vs Parliament

The Executive governs the nation by proposing laws, policies, and the budget, while Parliament approves legislation, scrutinises, and holds the executive accountable.

Executive

The body that proposes new legislation, proposes the budget, sets policy direction, and uses royal prerogative powers (foreign policy, military, appointments).

Parliament

The legislative body that passes or rejects laws, grants money through taxation and approves spending, scrutinises the government via debates, select committees and questions, and represents the people and protects liberties.

What is the Royal Prerogative?

Powers that historically belonged to the Monarch but have been transferred to the government, exercised on the advice of ministers.

List some powers included in the Royal Prerogative.

Award honours, declare war, sign treaties, take emergency action, grant and withdraw passports, appoint and dismiss ministers.

What significant event in 2013 highlighted the limitations of the Royal Prerogative?

Prime Minister David Cameron sought to launch airstrikes in Syria, but Parliament rejected the proposal.

How does the Executive influence legislation in the UK?

The Executive usually comes from the party with the most seats in the House of Commons, allowing control over the parliamentary timetable and content of legislation.

What is secondary (or delegated) legislation?

Laws made without passing a new Act of Parliament, allowing ministers to make detailed changes based on existing Acts.

What is a statutory instrument?

The most common form of secondary legislation, allowing small adjustments to laws.

Give an example of secondary legislation.

The Customs (Additional Duty) (Russia and Belarus) Regulations 2022, which allowed sanctions to be altered without passing a new Act.

Why has the use of secondary legislation increased since 1997?

It has grown since New Labour and especially after Brexit, when the government needed flexibility to update laws.

What criticism exists regarding secondary legislation?

It allows ministers to evade full parliamentary scrutiny, despite their powers being limited to what the original Act permits.

What role does Parliament play in relation to the Royal Prerogative?

Parliament increasingly constrains prerogative powers, as seen in the rejection of airstrike proposals.

What is the significance of having a parliamentary majority for the Executive?

It enables the government to push through bills and control the legislative agenda effectively.

What does the ability to take emergency action under the Royal Prerogative entail?

It allows the Monarch to act swiftly to maintain order during crises, but is exercised on ministerial advice.

How can the Royal Prerogative be described in terms of its powers?

Extensive but not absolute, as demonstrated by parliamentary limitations.

What is the relationship between the Royal Prerogative and the advice of ministers?

The Monarch exercises prerogative powers only on the advice of ministers, reflecting a constitutional monarchy.

What is the impact of a large parliamentary majority on law-making?

It provides the government with significant control over the legislative process, facilitating the passage of bills.

What is the purpose of secondary legislation?

To allow for detailed changes to laws without the need for a new Act of Parliament.

What does individual responsibility refer to in the context of ministers?

The principle that ministers are responsible for themselves and their department, including personal conduct, departmental conduct, and policy.

What is the ministerial code?

The official rules governing ministers' conduct, issued by the Prime Minister at the start of a new government.

When was the most recent ministerial code published?

May 2022.

How can ministers be held accountable for their department's actions?

Through Question Time or select committee scrutiny.

What is one reason a minister may resign due to individual responsibility?

Personal misjudgements and mistakes.

Who was Cecil Parkinson and why did he resign?

Party chairman who resigned in 1983 after revealing an affair with a pregnant secretary.

What led Ron Davies to resign in 1998?

He was caught on Clapham Common 'looking for company,' which he described as a serious error of judgement.

What was the reason for Michael Fallon's resignation in 2017?

He attempted to kiss a female journalist, leading to scrutiny of his conduct.

What is a reason for a minister to resign based on policy differences?

If they disagree with the government's policy direction.

Why did Robin Cook resign as Foreign Secretary in 2003?

He disagreed with the government's stance on the Iraq War.

What prompted David Davis to resign as Brexit Secretary in 2018?

He disagreed with the Prime Minister's stance on Brexit.

What is a point of principle that may lead to a minister's resignation?

If a minister cannot agree with a decision based on their principles.

Why did Lord Carrington resign in 1982?

He failed to foresee the Falklands War, which he believed warranted his resignation.

What scandals overshadowed Boris Johnson's government in 2021 and 2022?

Including partygate, the Owen Patterson scandal, wallpapergate, and the Chris Pincher scandal.

What was the outcome of the 2022 government crisis under Boris Johnson?

Over 60 ministers resigned, including the Chancellor and Health Secretary, leading to Johnson's resignation as PM.

What impact did the 2008 expenses scandal have on public trust in politicians?

It contributed to a significant decline in trust, leading many to view individual responsibility as failing.

What was the Next Steps Programme (1988)?

A program that shifted the responsibility of implementing policy from ministers to agencies.

What happened in the case of Derek Lewis and Michael Howard in 1995?

Howard sacked Lewis to avoid taking blame for IRA prisoner escapes, which he later regretted.

What controversy surrounded Gavin Williamson in 2020?

He faced calls to resign after the A-Level and GCSE results fiasco but remained in office for another year.

What inquiry findings led to calls for Priti Patel's resignation in 2020?

An inquiry found she had bullied a civil servant, but she refused to resign.

What law did Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak break in 2022?

They broke their own coronavirus laws by attending parties in Downing Street.

What is the principle of collective responsibility?

The principle that the Cabinet must publicly support the work of the government and agree to policy, though it is not legally binding.

What happens if a government is defeated in a no-confidence vote?

The whole government resigns.

How should disagreements within the Cabinet be handled?

Disagreements may occur in private, but the Cabinet should appear united in public.

What is expected of non-abiding members of the Cabinet?

They are expected to resign or be sacked.

How does collective responsibility enhance prime ministerial power?

It can silence critics and make the government appear united and strong.

What significant action did Foreign Secretary Robin Cook take in 2003?

He resigned from Tony Blair's government over his opposition to the Iraq War.

Why was Gavin Williamson sacked in 2019?

He was sacked by PM Theresa May after allegedly leaking confidential information from the National Security Council.

What did Douglas Ross do in 2020?

He resigned after Boris Johnson reaffirmed his support for Dominic Cummings.

What was notable about the 2010-2015 coalition government?

There were disagreements between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, with Vince Cable often criticizing the Conservatives.

What did PM David Cameron do during the 2016 EU referendum campaign regarding collective responsibility?

He suspended the principle so prominent cabinet ministers could campaign for and against Brexit.

What action did Amber Rudd take regarding the Brexit Withdrawal Bill in 2019?

She abstained on a vote despite the rest of the government supporting the Bill.

What happened during the July 2022 government crisis regarding Boris Johnson?

Many ministers stated they didn't believe he should remain in post but kept their jobs after he announced his future resignation.

What occurred in 2024 regarding collective responsibility and assisted suicide?

Collective responsibility was suspended for a Private Members' Bill so ministers could vote with their conscience.

What are the basic requirements for someone to become Prime Minister?

They must be an MP, over 18, a Commonwealth citizen, a party leader, and the leader of the majority party in the Commons.

Can a Prime Minister take office without an election?

Yes, they can become PM by being the leader of the majority party or without an overall majority.

What is one of the primary roles of the Prime Minister?

To lead the party in Parliament and the country.

What is a key responsibility of the Prime Minister regarding government ministers?

To appoint government ministers to a cabinet.

How does the Prime Minister influence government policy?

By directing and influencing policy, particularly in economics and foreign policy.

What does the Prime Minister manage within the cabinet?

Deciding when and how long to meet and setting the agenda for discussion.

What is one way the Prime Minister organizes the government?

By determining how government departments are set up.

What power does the Prime Minister have regarding Parliament?

To control Parliament by having a majority in the Commons.

What leadership role does the Prime Minister provide?

Leadership in response to major events.

What is one of the traditional powers of the Prime Minister?

To determine the date of the next General Election.

How has the role of the Prime Minister evolved over time?

The role has grown and developed due to the lack of a codified constitution.

What does 'primus inter pares' mean in the context of the Prime Minister?

It means 'first among equals,' indicating the PM's role among cabinet members.

What factors influence the Prime Minister's selection of ministers?

Close allies, popularity, expertise, silencing opponents, and diversity.

What is the official residence and office of the Prime Minister?

10 Downing Street.

Who is the Chief of Staff in the Prime Minister's Office?

A special adviser close to the Prime Minister.

What role does the Director of Communications play?

Manages the internal and external communications of the Prime Minister.

What is the role of the Press Secretary?

To provide news and information to the Prime Minister and manage public perception.

What does the Parliamentary Private Secretary do?

Ensures the Prime Minister is aware of the work of their backbenchers.

What can give a Prime Minister more power in the House of Commons?

Having a larger majority allows them to take more legislative risks.

How can parliamentary experience benefit a Prime Minister?

An experienced parliamentarian can navigate the process more effectively.

What impact do events have on a Prime Minister's public perception?

Leadership during events can enhance their strength and popularity.

How does the strength of the opposition affect a Prime Minister?

A weaker opposition can increase trust in the government, while a stronger opposition can enhance the PM's image when handled well.

Who is the Prime Minister as of September 2025?

Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC

What is the role of the Cabinet in the UK government?

The Cabinet is formally responsible for policy-making.

What factors influence the selection of ministers for the Cabinet?

Experience, diversity, rewarding allies, and maintaining party factions.

What is the significance of the Prime Minister's ability to control the Cabinet agenda?

The PM can dictate what is discussed, influencing policy direction.

What is meant by 'presidential government' in the context of the UK Cabinet?

A trend where decision-making is more personalized and distanced from traditional Cabinet roles.

What are some roles of the Deputy Prime Minister in the UK Cabinet?

The Deputy PM also serves as the Justice Secretary.

What is the role of the Chief Whip in the UK Cabinet?

To ensure party discipline and manage parliamentary business.

How does the Cabinet provide checks and balances on the Prime Minister's powers?

Cabinet members can meet regularly to discuss departmental issues and policies.

What was a significant outcome of Margaret Thatcher's Cabinet dynamics?

A Cabinet can assist in a Prime Minister's removal.

What is the role of COBRA in the UK government?

COBRA deals with emergencies and crisis management.

What is a potential downside of the Prime Minister's power over the Cabinet?

Special advisors may take precedence over Cabinet members.

What does 'primus inter pares' mean in the context of the Prime Minister's role?

It means the PM is 'first among equals' but holds more power.

What does collective responsibility mean for Cabinet members?

Cabinet members rarely publicly disagree with the Prime Minister.

What is the role of the Chancellor in the UK Cabinet?

The Chancellor is responsible for economic and financial matters.

Who is the Foreign Secretary in the current UK Cabinet?

Yvette Cooper

What is the significance of having a large majority in Parliament for the Cabinet?

It can lead to a united Cabinet, as seen with Blair in 1997.

What is the role of the Chief Secretary to the Treasury?

To assist in managing the Treasury and overseeing public finances.

What is the role of the Attorney General in the Cabinet?

The Attorney General provides legal advice to the government.

Who is the Culture Secretary in the current UK Cabinet?

Lisa Nandy