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This lesson examines the leadership styles of recent Prime Ministers, from Tony Blair to Keir Starmer. Understanding how different PMs exercise power — and how their style is shaped by circumstances — is essential for evaluating questions about the PM's role, executive dominance, and the "presidential PM" debate.
Political scientists have identified several models of PM leadership:
| Model | Description | Example PMs |
|---|---|---|
| Presidential | PM acts as a dominant, above-party national leader; marginalises Cabinet | Blair, Thatcher |
| Collegial / Chairman | PM facilitates collective decision-making; primus inter pares (first among equals) | Major, Callaghan |
| Commanding | PM dominates through personal authority and a strong mandate | Johnson (2019–2021) |
| Managerial | PM focuses on competence, stability, and detail | Sunak, Starmer |
| Beleaguered | PM lacks authority; constantly firefighting and making concessions | May (2017–2019), Brown |
Style: Presidential / Dominant
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