27.

Discuss the powers and functions of the Prime Minister of UK.

The powers and functions of the Prime Minister of UK are discussed below:

i. A Cabinet Chief - As head of the Cabinet, the Prime Minister supervises and coordinates the work of different Ministers. He performs a pivotal role in the formation and working of the Cabinet. His opinion carries weight in the Cabinet meetings and as such he can resolve the differences among the ministers.

ii. Cabinet decisions - The Prime Minister sees that Cabinet decisions are carried out by the departments, although, as we have said, the extent to which he supervises the administration varies with different holders of the office. His contact with the affairs of the Foreign Office is often especially close. The Cabinet secretariat is under this control, and consults him in preparing the agenda. He communicates directly with the other Commonwealth Prime Ministers, and presides when they meet in this country.

iii. Formation of Govt - The primary functions of the Prime Minister are to form a government, and to choose and preside over the Cabinet. He gives advice to his ministerial colleagues on matters before they come to the Cabinet, and he is the main channel of communication between the Cabinet and the Sovereign, with whom he has a weekly audience. He advises the Sovereign on a dissolution.

iv. Appointments - Many Crown appointments in addition to ministerial offices, are made on his advice. These include the Lords of Appeal in Ordinary, the Lords justices of Appeal, bishops and deans of the Church of England, peerages Privy councilors and most honours. As First Lord of the Treasury and Minister for the Civil Service, the Prime Minister approves the senior appointments in the Civil Service.

v. A National Leader - His opinion on important national issues is paid due head. His statements and speeches are regarded as the most effective channels for molding public opinion.

vi. Link between the Queen and Cabinet - British Prime Minister acts as a link between the Cabinet and the Queen. He keeps her informed about all important decisions of the Cabinet. The Prime Minister now invariable takes the office of First Lord of the Treasury, and occasionally some other office as well, such as that of Chancellor of the Exchequer (Gladstone), War office.