Ability to change/dictate policy:

Poll Tax 1990

• Thatcher, reduced high spending labour councils where a lot of ppl weren’t paying taxes in the first place. Wanted a reform local govt taxation 1987 manifesto pledge. She introduced a flat tax regardless of ppl’s housing or employment.

• It was passed but there were large rioting in Scotland and London March 1990. Led to Thatcher’s resignation and introduction of council tax in 1993.

Decision to invade Iraq 2003:

• Bush invaded and Blair justified the involvement of the Uk on the moral grounds of the removal of weapons of mass destruction.

• There was no pressure for the UK to join, no threat yo UK , Blair just wanted to strengthen the relationship with Bush. The resignation of 2 cabinet ministers weakened Blair’s position.

Decision to call an early election in 2017

• Snap election in June 2017, traditional prerogative power. But the Fixed Term Parliament act 2011,stated another general election wasn’t due till 2020.

• May decided to call an election anyway, her motives were to capitalise on perceived political advantage and enabling her Brexit strategy. Her policy backfired and Conservatives lost seats.

Liz Trust budget October 2022

• She did not have a mandate from the people, or much backing from the MP’s with 13 votes of no confidence as soon as she entered the office.

• Her proposed budget was very unpopular, with a cut in the top band rate of income tax during a recession.

• Led to a U-turn on the budget and her resignation in 49 days