The power of the Prime Minister depends on their individual leadership style and personality, but also on relationships with political problems and how they deal with difficulties within government. Over the years, a number of formal duties have evolved. The Prime Minister presides over the Cabinet, is responsible for the allocation of functions among ministers and informs the Queen or King at regular meetings of the general business of the government. The Prime Minster’s other responsibilities include recommending a number of appointments to the Queen. These include Church of England appointments (such as archbishops, bishops etc), senior judges (such as the lord Chief Justice), Privy Councillors and Lord Lieutenants. Also, certain civil appointments such as Poet Laureate, Constable of the Tower, some university posts, and selections to various public boards and institutions (such as the BBC), are chosen by the Prime Minister.

The British Prime Minister has the power to appoint, reshuffle or dismiss ministers, which is thought to be the Prime Minister’s most important power. He/she also has the power to create peers, to make appointments (as explained earlier), powers over ministerial conduct, powers relating to government business, powers over information, powers in international relations and power to terminate a Parliament or government.