Mark Henderson answered
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom is the head of Her Majesty's Government. The PM and the Cabinet are accountable for their polices and actions to the head of state, to both houses of Parliament and to their own political party. The current British Prime Minister is David Cameron.
Powers of the British Prime Minister
Powers of the British Prime Minister
- Appoints the Cabinet: The PM appoints all other cabinet members to their posts. At any time in his tenure the PM can appoint, dismiss or obtain a nominal resignation of any Cabinet minister. Usually the PM will exercise this power by appointing powerful allies and supporters to the Cabinet. The PM co-ordinates the activities and policies of the Cabinet and its Governmental departments. The PM acts as the public face of Her Majesty's Government.
- Commander-in-Chief (in all but name): The Commander-in-Chief is legally the monarch, but under constitutional practice the Prime Minister has the powers to declare war, appoint or dismiss senior military officers and can authorize the use of Britain's nuclear deterrent.
- Introduce legislature: Through cabinet the PM can co-ordinate, develop, amend and introduce legislature to the House of Commons. Through the use of "whips" (also appointed by the PM) the government can obtain a majority of support for legislature in the commons.
- Recommends appointments to the Queen: The PM can advise the Queen on the appointments of senior honors such as peerages and knighthoods.
- Terminate a Parliament or Government: The Prime Minister reserves the right to terminate a government and call a general election at any time in office.