THE PRIME MINISTER

Who is the Prime Minister and what can they do?

• Head of the government

• Not head of state like a president

• leader or the patry that wins the most gen election votes

What are prerogative powers?

Historic powers that used to belong to the monarch but now reside with the PM and ministers

What prerogative powers does the PM have?

Declaring war and peace

Chair local cabinet meetings and appoint members

Representing the PM on the world stage

Setting the legislative agenda of gov

Can call snap election

What are the requirements to become Prime Minister?

Must be a member or parliament sitting in the House of Commons
Historically often came from House of Lords

How to become Prime Minister?

• Gen. election - the leader of the party that gains the most seats will become Prime Minister

• PM resignation - triggers an internal party leadership election NOT a gen election. MP’s put them elves forward and those with the most votes go through to the next round till there are 2 remaining. The final round of votes is down to the party’s membership. The winner is the next PM

• Once the PM is selected they go to Buckingham Palace where they are formally app, appointed by the monarch who invites them to form a gov in their name

How is the PM held to account?

public - is an MP and stands in local elections where many may protest vote.

press - can offer public scrutiny or endorsement impact perception ( Sun+Blair ‘97)

parliament - PM Q’s every Wed, select committees scrutinise gov and publish findings

party - unofficial opp from back benchers rebelling