The Prime Minister, currently Keir Starmer since July 5, 2024, holds the highest power in England.
While the United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy, and the monarch (King Charles III) is the Head of State, the actual executive power resides with the government, which is headed by the Prime Minister.
Here's a breakdown:
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The Prime Minister's Role: The Prime Minister is the leader of the political party that commands the majority in the House of Commons. They are responsible for:
- Forming the government
- Selecting the Cabinet (senior ministers)
- Setting the government's agenda
- Leading the country on domestic and foreign policy
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The Cabinet: The Cabinet is the supreme decision-making body in the UK government. Its members are appointed by the Prime Minister and are responsible for overseeing various government departments.
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Parliament: Parliament, composed of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, holds the government to account. The House of Commons is the democratically elected chamber and has the power to pass laws, approve budgets, and scrutinize the government's actions.
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The Monarch: While the monarch is the Head of State, their role is largely ceremonial. They approve legislation passed by Parliament and act as a symbol of national unity. The monarch acts on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Therefore, while the King is the symbolic head, the practical and political power to govern rests with the Prime Minister and the government.
