The Prime Minister is the leader of the political party that wins the most seats in a general election. They are expected to represent the UK abroad, and make decisions that will affect the whole country. They also meet with other world leaders to discuss policy. This can involve persuading other leaders to agree with the UK’s point of view.
The PM chairs the Cabinet, the main decision-making body of the Government. If there are differences between the members of Cabinet, the PM will try to find ways to resolve them. This is important because a PM who can’t manage the Cabinet could damage their own authority and that of the Government as a whole.
They lead the Cabinet in discussion and decision-making, setting the agenda and ensuring that the Government acts on its priorities. They chair Prime Minister’s Questions, which takes place in the House of Commons at least once a week. They also set the membership and terms of reference for Cabinet Committees, reducing the burden on Cabinet as a whole. They are responsible for managing relationships with key political bodies such as the Opposition and the devolved governments of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. They are also responsible for communicating with the monarch (in whose name the government governs), and overseeing appointments to senior roles in the Civil Service and other organisations, including certain ecclesiastical, judicial, and academic posts.
If the Prime Minister loses a general election, or can no longer command the confidence of the House of Commons, they offer their resignation to the monarch. The monarch then invites the new leader of the political party to become Prime Minister.