1. Has there been a presidentialisation of the office of Prime Minister?

2. YES Leadership in the executive has been personalised, with the Prime Minister expected to impose his or her personality and agenda Prime Ministers rely on a close circle of senior ministers and advisers Prime Ministers have created a ‘strategic space’ between themselves and their governments, distancing themselves from other actors in the executive Prime Ministers appeal to the public directly, through the media, and claim a personal mandate from the electorate Prime Ministers have additional authority as party leaders, where they are elected by MPs and members, and exercise personalised leadership

3. NO The Prime Minister leads but cannot command the executive, particularly in coalition, and directs rather than controls the agenda Senior ministers enjoy support from government and have their own special advisers The Prime Minister needs the support of ministers and officials to achieve his or her objectives The Prime Minister’s position is strong only if he or she enjoys policy success and popular approval, and makes effective use of his or her own personal ability Support from the party is not unconditional, and unpopular leaders face concerted attempts to remove them