British Prime Ministers from Attlee to Blair - Professor Vernon Bogdanor

TL;DR

The power and role of the Prime Minister in the UK have evolved over time, with some leaders being more dominant than others, largely influenced by their standing with the electorate and their ability to give a clear sense of direction to the government.

Transcript

uh L ladies and gentlemen um in 1834 uh Lord Melbourne was asked to go to the Palace uh to see the king to form a government as prime minister and he said I I think it's a Dan bore and he said he he told his secretary he was in many Minds what to do but his secretary said why damn it such a position was never occupied by any Greek or Roman and if i... Read More

Key Insights

• ✊ The power of the Prime Minister in the UK has evolved over time, influenced by various factors such as electoral support and the ability to give a clear sense of direction to the government.
• 📜 There is no authority to define the precise relation of the Prime Minister to their colleagues, as the role is a product of historical evolution rather than a constitutional document.
• ✊ The Prime Minister's power shows an ebb and flow, and there is no simple evolutionary trend towards increased power.
• 🧍 The strength of the Prime Minister is dependent on the support of the House of Commons and their standing with the electorate.
• 🤕 The Prime Minister faces challenges due to the lack of institutional support when compared to heads of government in other countries.
• ❓ The role of the Prime Minister is not solely a managerial function, but also a leader who provides a sense of purpose and direction to the government.
• 🧑‍⚖️ The success of a Prime Minister is often judged based on their ability to fulfill their aims and leave a lasting legacy, which is subjective and can vary for different leaders.

Questions & Answers

Q: Who was the first official Prime Minister in the UK?

The first official Prime Minister in the UK is generally considered to be Sir Robert Walpole, who held the position in the 18th century.

Q: How has the power of the Prime Minister changed over time?

The power of the Prime Minister has varied over time, with some leaders being more dominant and influential than others. Factors such as their electoral majority and ability to give a clear sense of direction to the government have played a role in determining their power.

Q: What role does the Cabinet play in the power of the Prime Minister?

The Prime Minister presides over the Cabinet, which is a group of advisors, but the power and influence of the Prime Minister can vary. In some cases, the Prime Minister has made decisions without consulting the Cabinet, while in others, the Cabinet has played a more significant role in decision-making.

Q: How does the electorate influence the power of the Prime Minister?

The standing with the electorate plays a crucial role in determining the power of the Prime Minister. Prime Ministers with significant electoral support, such as those who have won landslide victories, tend to have more authority and influence. Conversely, Prime Ministers with small electoral majorities may face challenges in governing.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The role of Prime Minister has evolved over time, from the first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, in the 18th century to the 12 post-war Prime Ministers.

• Throughout history, Prime Ministers have varied in terms of power and dominance, with some being more successful in achieving their aims than others.

• The power of the Prime Minister depends on various factors, including their standing with the electorate and their ability to give a clear sense of direction to the government.