Explain three key functions of the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister is also the chief policy maker. For example, Tony Blair, current leader of the Labour Party, has increased spending for the NHS, reduced tax burdens on families, increased those gaining from the minimum wage to 1.5 million, created 1 million more jobs, and significantly reduced inflation & income tax. However, the extent of control of government policy depends upon which party he leads, and of his own political command of that party. For example, the leader of the Conservative Party has a great deal more freedom of choice over policy than his Labour counterpart. Besides, any leader has significant constraints on policy development – from the party, MPs and Cabinet (in the 1990s, John Major faced much dissent from so-called ‘Euro Rebels’, including John Redwood, who opposed Major’s policy of European integration). Dominant individuals such as Harold Wilson and Margaret Thatcher both chose, and were able, to play a central role in policy formulation. The less secure individuals or those who preferred a collective approach, such as John Major, have played a lesser role.

Finally, the Prime Minister is the chief government spokesperson. He is viewed as the face of his party, and his frequent appearances in the media confirm this. The twice-weekly ‘PM’s Questions’ in the House of Commons conveys the government’s current attitudes to the issues of the day, and the Opposition challenges those attitudes. Individual ministers do speak in the Commons, but the Prime Minister is the key figure. Here, the PM is placed under constant scrutiny, as is the range of policies being questioned. However, many people have argued that ‘PM’s Questions’ is a waste of time – most MPs would prefer to spend their day in committee meetings, and in a survey stated that the most effective means of getting answers was written Parliamentary questions followed by Commons statements by ministers. The Prime Minister is also heavily involved in his annual party conference, where he discusses his aims and policies. However, this year the conference has come under criticism by the press who believe that Tony Blair avoided controversial topics such as the Hutton Enquiry and prevented extreme dissenters from gaining entry to the main conference arena. Yet, despite the PM’s avoidance of some issues, he is still a mouthpiece for his party.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister carries out a number of key functions, including the appointment of government ministers. He/she is also the chief policy maker and the chief government spokesperson.