In parliamentary systems with monarchies or parliamentarian republics, the Prime Minister is often considered the most powerful figure in government. The office is not defined by statute or formal documents and its powers derive largely from ancient royal prerogatives and historic and modern constitutional conventions. The prime minister’s relationships with the Crown, Parliament and Cabinet are a jumble of codified rules, precedents, informal influences and formal power.
The prime minister oversees the policy agenda and legislative timetable of the government, forming a close relationship with the foreign, finance and defense ministers. Prime ministers often take the lead at international summits and meetings of heads of government (such as the European Union) to demonstrate their country’s international stature.
Within their own party, the prime minister assembles a governing majority to secure parliamentary approval of their policies. They manage relations with opposition parties and other stakeholders through the Prime Minister’s Office. They communicate their message to the public through the press, both proactively and in times of crisis.
A prime minister must be ready to answer questions on any aspect of how the government is run at Prime Minister’s Questions, which takes place in the House of Commons each Wednesday at noon. They are also responsible for the appointment of the highest senior civil servants, including the cabinet secretary and for ensuring that the civil service supports the implementation of the policies elected on. Prime ministers also hold the role of Minister for the Civil Service and, since 2019, Minister for the Union.