Evaluate The View That The Prime Minister Is Now Presidential. (30)

AGREE 1

Often act like a head of state, particularly in the context of foreign policy and in emergencies when they can gain support of the public.

In February/March 2025 Starmer represented the U.K. in key foreign policy meetings centred on the Ukraine War, including a bilateral meeting with Donald Trump, a meeting with Zelensky and a meeting with European leaders to decide how to respond to the U.S. decreasing foreign aid for Ukraine

DISAGREE 1

The ability of a Prime Minister to act like a President is limited by their personality and events outside of their control

Blair and Thatcher may have been able to be more presidential, John Major, Gordon Brown and Theresa May were much less able to do so.

David Cameron, for example, struggled to act presidentially as he was in charge of a coalition government and therefore needed to cooperate with the Liberal Democrats both in Parliament and the cabinet. 

AGREE 2

There is less reliance on the cabinet for decision making. Special Advisors (SPADs )have occupied an important role in decision making

By the end of the summer of 2024, Starmer had already appointed over 20 special advisers working for number 10 and over 80 working across government.

Tony Blairs “sofa government” informally made decisions with key advisors rather than the cabinet

DISAGREE 2

Still rely on cabinet to deliver policy

Sunak gave significant control to both Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and Foreign Secretary David Cameron

Cameron led the UK in peace negotiations on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Hunt announced key economic policies himself, rather than the PM doing so beforehand in the media. For example, he announced the National Insurance tax cut in the 2023 Autumn Statement.

AGREE 3

PMs are becoming more like presidents by distancing themselves from the party. Present themselves as outsiders and develop a personal popularity with the public.

Boris Johnson distanced himself from the Conservative Party that had been in power for 9 years and sought to present himself as offering the electorate a change, including a move away from austerity.

His personal popularity was important to the Conservative Party being able to win over significant numbers of former Labour voters in the Red Wall.

DISAGREE 3

PMs rely on their party to pass legislation and on the cabinet to help implement policy. If PM becomes too independent cabinet, party members and ministers can remove them from office.

Thatcher: Geoffery Howe resignation lead to her downfall. Howe speech criticised thatcher’s leadership encouraged many others to challenge her without support she was forced to resign

Boris Johnson: over 50 resignations in one week, including Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid