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Learn about Tony Blair's impact on the British political scene, the dominance of Labour and the Conservatives, challenges for third parties, and the power dynamics of Prime Ministers in the UK.
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Political Parties • The 2 BIGGEST Political Parties in the UK are Labour and Conservative. The Conservatives sometimes called the Tories have been the dominant party for most of the 1900’s. • There are several other players like the Liberal Democrats and UKIP. • Because the UK uses a First past the Post system these 3rd parties have typically had a hard time getting MP’s elected.
Nowadays, Political Parties rely on charismatic candidates for PM and campaign manifestos to attract voters.
Recent Success • The Labour Party had success for much of the early 2000’s in large part because of Tony Blair’s open image and media savvy campaign. • Blair also continued the trend started by Thatcher of consolidating power into the hands of the PM.
The 3rd Way • Blair also continued with Thatcher’s privatization efforts. He coopted some of Labour’s positions – moving his party towards the center.
The Wrong Way? • Blair spent much of his political capital supporting George W. Bush and the invasion of Iraq. • This was and continues to be a controversial both within the UK and especially among the EU nations.
Prime Minister Notes • Prime Ministers are members of Parliament but they are extremely powerful. • MP’s serve in the PM’s cabinet – Example Chancellor of the Exchequer (Treasury). • Collective Responsibility means that the entire cabinet must agree on all major policy decisions and can go down with the ship (Vote of NO Confidence). • New Elections are held every 5 years. No more Early Elections.
Prime Minister NotesVotes of NO Confidence – A majority vote in the legislature can force the resignation of the government.
