Party Leaders Politics Lower 6

How does a leader establish themselves? If a party can scent victory, it is often willing to let the leader implement policies and changes they consider necessary for power If however electoral success seems distant parties can turn in on themselves and be plunged into civil war Austin Ranney – ‘One of autocracy tempered by advice and information’ ‘… amount of power given to leader… but emphasis on electoral success… created icons out of strong leaders.. Churchill, Macmillan, Thatcher’

Why is a Tory leader powerful? Manifesto Central Office and party machine Appointment / Power of patronage (cabinet, party officials) Tradition of strong central leadership with parliamentary system Yet, it still remains a position of consent and generally if party is doing well, leader is supported yet a number of examples where this has been challenged in fallow times

The Labour Leader More of an effort to keep leader accountable to party 1918 Constitution regulations (attendance at PLPs / use of shadow cabinet / importance of conference…) Lack of control over party affairs in comparison with Conservative counterpart Again though, recent years of Kinnock and especially Blair, increased centralisation of power – (effect on grass roots loyalty / opinion....?)

How are the party leaders appointed? Conservatives 15% challenge / Open Letter 1922 Committee / 50% + 1 approval Parliamentary Party / Membership final say Examples of recent times – IDS / Howard / Cameron http://en.wikipedia.org/wi ki/Conservative_Party_(U K)_leadership_election,_20 05 Labour Electoral College system (PLP / PM / TU) http://en.wikipedia.org/wi ki/Labour_Party_(UK)_lea dership_election,_2010 http://en.wikipedia.org/wi ki/Liberal_Democrats_lead ership_election,_2007

Which system do you prefer? In pairs, think about which system you prefer of electing a political leader – think of both the pro’s and con’s of your argument What considerations must a leader make to keep a tight hold on their reign of power?