Revision Notes on Prime Minister Powers UK

UK Prime Minister Revision Notes

Powers of the PM

Appoint and dismissal of minister:

Seen as most important power because it gives him or her power to promote the loyal members and dismiss the rivals.
The PM appoints candidates in significant areas of government such as Chancellor of the Exchequer and foreign secretary. If members do not fallow the PM views he can relocate them in less important departments. In 1962 Harold Macmillan demonstrated his power by dismissing 24 ministers in one day.

Appointment of Cabinet Committees:

Key decisions and policy recommendations
PM decides what issues go to what committees and who sits at those committees

Tony Blair had promised constitutional reform in his manifesto of 1997 but was personally never keen on it. The committee for radical reforms was made up of a conservative majority.

Other Appointments:

Choose top judges – on advice of the Lord Chancellor
Chairmen governors of the BBC

Cont...