3c) Assess the limitations on the powers of the Prime Minister
Although the Prime Minister possesses great power in the UK, there are still limitations to their power. One big limitation on the Prime Ministers power is the Cabinet, as decisions are made collectively it is possible for the Prime Minister to be out voted, thus losing power and strength within his own party and with the public. The Prime Minister may sense people within his Cabinet or own party may be critical of them so they make sure these people are ‘rewarded’ with certain positions within government. An example of this can be seen in Browns premiership where he has kept Blair loyalists such as John Hutton in positions of power, this limits the Prime Minister more as he is forced to pick people for his government instead of choosing the people they really want in that position.
Another limit on the power of the Prime Minister is Parliament. A small government majority can strengthen an opposition party, as gaining public support should be easier. Opposition have the power to criticise the government and potentially embarrass the Prime Minister. John Major is a perfect example of a Prime Minister with limit powers and influence due to a small majority during his time as Prime Minister. James Callaghan had an even more difficult job as he had no majority in Parliament thus limiting his powers even further. He eventually lost to a vote of no confidence in the House of Commons in the late 1970’s.
Another limit on a Prime Ministers power is personality, with increasing media coverage and political scrutiny it is important for the Prime Minister to be seen as a strong leader with charisma, a poor personality may damage the Prime Ministers support within government and with the public thus leading to limitations on his power and influence in government. Gordon Brown and John Major have both struggled in their time as Prime Minister and it is clear to see that personality has been a contributing factor, both are seen as dull and lacking any real presence for the modern media age. In contrast Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair were both seen as radical, strong leaders which lead to huge support from within and outside government. Both Thatcher’s and Blair’s downfall came when they lost some popularity, which shows just how important it is and how much power it gives to a Prime Minister.
A further limitation on the power of the Prime Minister is pressure groups which, like an opposition party have the ability to criticise the Prime Minister and government practice. With enough support or funding a group such as this can force the government into policy change etc. Fathers 4 Justice are a pressure group that has constantly shown up the government by highlighting faults in their policy through demonstrations and various publicity stunts. The number of pressure groups which have a profound effect on changing the government is very few, but those who do can weaken the Prime Minister and make them look weak by forcing them to accept their demands thus limiting the Prime Ministers powers.
Other factors which may limit the power of a Prime Minister include international organisations (such as the EU), major trading partners, mass media and the expectation to appoint certain people into their government, such as women and ethnic minorities.
In conclusion there are many factors which limit the powers of a Prime Minister, some of these limitations can lead to real problems and cause lasting damage to the Prime Minter and their government.
