British Prime Ministers Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

British Prime Ministers - Coursework Example This essay discusses how the British Prime Ministers in recent reign used different styles of leadership in strengthening their position, as well as their weaknesses. Each Prime Minister used different leadership style, each of which greatly impacted the decision making process to the main issues and policies (Heffernan 2005, p. 605). Fundamentally, the Prime Minister may be considered free of political influences, hence, influence by the common majority. The five prime Ministers considered here are Margaret Thatcher, John Major, Gordon Brown, Tony Blair and David Cameron. Margaret Thatcher Margaret Thatcher won three victories in the general election between 1983 and 1987, where she enjoyed the majority of the large commons. She was referred as a mobilizer and innovator. Thatcherism is a term coined from the neo-liberal economic mission and policies that she used in restoring Britain. This extends to include the aggressiveness and militant bearing of the prime minister. The leadership style was personal in nature where the prime minister dominated the cabinet. The aggressive leadership style enabled her to be vigorous and thorough, and not an authoritarian. Despite the endless accusations of Margaret Thatcher leadership, her leadership was the most dominant. Some critics argue that she was dictatorial, and this is considered unfair. Her perfectionism drive instilled the desire control in her. This style of leadership coupled with challenges in delegation is related to issues of gender. The vulnerability as the first female prime minister in UK sharpened her urge to control. Thatcher alleged the masculine leadership style never deterred her from exploitation of her status as a female. The cabinets consisted of exclusively male ministers, and this further emphasizes on the exemplary position held by the Prime Minister. The leadership style by Thatcher was characterized by a high degree of skills in switching between the genders roles, and hence considered an expert gender-bender. Her toughness enabled her confound her male colleagues. When n ecessary, Thatcher used her feminine charms to enable her get away with the political stratagems and ploys (Nunn 2002, p. 56). She was most concerned with her appearance especially her clothes and hair. She relished and loved her leadership as the British prime minister. John Major John Major was a British conservative and a politician. He served as the British Prime Minister from 1990 t0 1997. Though Major was a more disappointment when compared to Thatcher, he was the most preferred as the successor of Margaret Thatcher. His leadership style stark-contrasted to that of his predecessor, Margaret Thatcher and had a more inclusive cabinet. Some of his successes include signing of agreements with European Unions and bring IRA ceasefire that established the Good Friday Agreement. The accusations on government sleaze and the party divisions dogged his premiership. The 1995 criticisms of his leadership compelled him take the unprecedented step of resigning as the leader of his party. Des pite his victory, he remained unpopular where the party failed in uniting behind him (Heppell 2007, p. 471). His moderate political stance and mild-mannered style enhanced his theoretical placement as conciliatory party leader. He did not succeed in uniting the Euro-rebels. It was during his premiership that the economy in Britain recovered from 1990-1992 recessions. The prime Minister maintained low profile after leaving the office (Heppell 2007, p. 473). Tony Blair Tony Blair served as British Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007. He is among the highly respected leaders worldwide. Sources indicate that Blair was self-centered and