With reference to the source and your own knowledge, how can the Cabinet effectively challenge a Prime Minister? - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 2

A divided Cabinet can present serious challenges for a Prime Minister. If Ministers disagree on crucial issues, it can undermine the Prime Minister’s leadership and weaken their policy decisions. This division can become public knowledge, eroding the Prime Minister's credibility.

Cabinet members with significant political influence or 'heavyweights' can also effectively challenge the Prime Minister. This was evident in the relationship between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown; Brown's influence allowed him to exert pressure on Blair, showcasing the power dynamics within the Cabinet.

If a Prime Minister fails to implement effective policies, it can weaken their position. A Cabinet may seize this opportunity to reclaim power and debate alternatives, thus challenging the PM's authority.

Contentious policy options that create dissent within the Cabinet also serve as a challenge. For instance, issues like the third runway at Heathrow can prompt Cabinet members to suspend collective cabinet responsibility, leading to public disagreements that weaken the Prime Minister's stance.

In coalition or minority governments, the Cabinet can also pose challenges by leveraging their collective power to influence or block a Prime Minister's initiatives. The necessity for consensus in decision-making in such setups can provide substantial leverage against unilateral decisions made by the PM.