The prime minister leads the government and is appointed by the monarch. Normally, he or she is also leader of the party that wins a general election. Ultimately, the prime minister is responsible for all government policy and decisions. It’s also their job to choose members of the government, known as ministers. The most senior figures are called cabinet ministers. They lead government departments – such as the Treasury and Home Office. The prime minister can, at any time, hire and fire ministers. They can also abolish government departments or create new ones. Alongside the chancellor, the prime minister is in charge of tax-and-spending policy.
