ABSTRACT
Most post-war political developments have exalted the premier vis-à-vis other ministers. More than ever before, political coverage focuses on the clash between party leaders. Television, international summits and Prime Minister’s question time have strengthened the public impression that in many ways the Prime Minister is the government. Other ministers still enjoy the prestige and the trappings of office: red boxes, chauffeur driven cars, the polite obedience of civil servants. Nonetheless, the authority attached to the Prime Minister’s leadership role is far greater, and the apparatus surrounding him is more impressive. He chairs the Cabinet. He commands instant press attention. He advises the Queen. He meets presidents, monarchs, ambassadors and foreign ministers. He hires, fires and decides. A strong sense of the Prime Minister’s authority comes out of most ministerial memoirs, even those of Barbara Castle who was long a favourite of the premier she served.
