The Debate on styles of Government

• The PM was supposed to be primus inter pares - merely the 'first among equals'.

• Statergy was decided by the cabinet

• Key Policies and decisions were decided by the cabinet

• The cabinet was the focal point of the government.

• The PM dominates the media and is the spokesman for the government.

• PM rarely attends the Commons and sees Parliament as of limited importance.

• Cabinet is downgraded in staus and meets less often, and is less involved in decision making.

• Key Civil service appointments are made by NO 10

• The PM works more with his/her 'YES' people and less with ministers and civil servants. 

• The PM dominates the policy - making process.

• The PM takes all major decisions taken by ministers - 'micromanages'.

• The PM dominates foreign policy and makes all the key decisions regarding the EU.

• The personality of the PM is vital to the whole administration.  

Be careful about viewing the PM as 'presidential' and just assuming that presidents are all - powerful. US presidents are limited by a written constitution.

A better example might be the French President who:

• is directly elected
• appoints the PM and assists the PM with key appointments
• chairs the council of ministers (cabinet)
• has a veto over legislation
• decides on holding referendums
• can dissole parliament
• makes key appointments in the civil service and armed forces
• controls all key foreign policy, defence and EU issues
• plays a key role in the management of the economy
• is subject to less acountability - does not face the equivalent of PMQs

A number of reforms to the office of PM have been considered including:

• creating a Prime Minister's department which is both transparent and accountable

• reducing the royal perogatives the PM controls, such as going to war

• establishing a formal and recognised role for the cabinet in the decison -  making process

• requirming parliamentary consent for major decisions