David Cameron’s first 18 months as Prime Minister Essay

After bagging around hundred additional seats in the General elections in May 2010, the Conservative Party came into power together with the Liberal Democrats in Britain and David Cameron became the Prime Minister leading the Conservative/Liberal Democrat Coalition Government (David Cameron, n.d.).

The aim of this coalition government was to form a sturdy and progressive government whose sole objective would be to give preference to the common good and national interest. The values of freedom, fairness and responsibility are the key inspirational factors of this government (David Cameron, n.d.).

Modernisation of his party has always been the prime concern of David Cameron. He was first elected Leader of the Conservative Party in Dec.2005 and ever since he has been giving emphasis to issues like, NHS reforms, adopting environment friendly measures, encouragement to social actions and social justice as Leader of the Opposition. The number of women and tribal minority candidates for the Conservative Party raised significantly during this period (Prime Minister David Cameron’s Biography, 2011).

David Cameron always believed that the society comes first and the politicians are there to work for the people and not to rule them. As the Prime Minister also he has always given importance to social responsibility.

In the first 18 months of his leadership the government has acted in accordance to its mandate by presenting a picture of the Big Society by assuring more power to the common man. Moreover, Britain’s deficit, educational reform policies, health and welfare are some of the other powerful actions taken in the initial few months of David Cameron led coalition government (David Cameron, n.d. ).

Despite the fact that Cameron has a great personality and his performance in the Commons has always been that of a confident leader, his political accomplishments raise a serious question on his role towards the office. Cameron’s focus is observed mainly in keeping the coalition unabated (Many Miles to go, 2011).

He might celebrate some success on the issues like an improved credit rating, success in the half –war in Libya and leading a strong coalition between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats but he seems to act sluggishly in fulfilling the two big promises that he made before last year’s general elections i.e. to combat Britain’s deficit and to provide a makeover to the state.

Though, measures have been taken and bold and clear strategies have been outlined to reduce Britain’s huge deficit by George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The process has just initiated and has saved British sovereign from losing faith in the markets but the progress is unexpectedly slow and unemployment is higher. Mr. Osborne is too stubborn to make alteration in his blueprint as it would indicate government’s incompetence to fight the crises. It would not be wise also with the deficit equal to 9.3%of GDP in 2010-11 (Many Miles to go, 2011).

David Cameron admitted that the government has to hasten with its deficit reduction plans as it was proving “harder than anyone envisaged” while speaking to business leaders at the CBI conference in London (David Cameron: deficit harder to clear than first thought, 2011).

The second promise of redesigning the state is also experiencing problems. It is evident that at a time of hardship announcing public services is quite challenging. Reformation demands lubrication for a smooth progress. But here, the progress is hindered more by the political incompetence and weakness of the government rather than the scarcity of funds (Many Miles to go, 2011).

The coalition government led by Mr. Cameron had initiated a radical reform agenda last year. The state-funded free schools and abundance of independent academies are some of the successful programs. More private providers are assured extended funds on the basis of payment –by—results in the cases like the treatment of drug addicts. Tackling the biased inducement in the universal welfare system is also a major concern of the government (Many Miles to go, 2011).

But there has only been partial success in these arenas. The implementation of these programs is not flawless. The government has not been very strict in taking action against the profit making schools. Rich pensioners are still enjoying the benefits and refurbishment of the broader welfare is going to be complicated and expensive.

The new commissioning structure has left the health reform programs in a disastrous state. Lifting the limit on the university tuition fee left the exchequer with a huge liability. Moreover, the ineffective idea of the “Big Society” wasted much of government’s time and fund. David Cameron’s policy of the rehabilitation program for the criminals also had to face much criticism by the tabloids.

All these setbacks are Tories’ own doings so they cannot deceive themselves by holding the Liberal Democrats responsible for it. In spite of all this it is commendable that the people holding top positions in both the coalition parties are likeminded in redesigning the state to make it more accountable and pluralistic (Many Miles to go, 2011).

David Cameron’s successful venture in Libya is praiseworthy and his tactics in used in the Libya victory has convinced many of the disbelievers. His caliber and competence in tackling the riots has also proved him a proficient leader. Rick Nye of pollsters Populous says, “You have seen the hacking, the riots, and Libya, but they are not really game-changers when it comes to their fundamental assessment” (Underhill, 2011).

Recently, Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg announced a £400 million fund for the house building sector. The idea is to support the construction industry and fulfill the desire of many people of having their own home. Besides this, development would be done on more public land funds are reserved for renovating the old and empty houses to bring them back into use. Thus, upto 16,000 homes will have a new start in construction and 3,200 would be reasonable properties.

Officials believe that it will also endorse around 32,000s job. Before this a £500 million Growing Places Fund was also announced by the coalition government. Though Labors consider this move as” small beer” and the government should put in more efforts to uplift the sinking economy which can fight the “perfect storm” in housing ever since the Second World War.

The Prime Minister and Mr Clegg said “With this strategy, we will unlock the housing market, get Britain building again, and give many more people the satisfaction and security that comes from stepping over their own threshold. These plans are ambitious – but we are determined to deliver on them.”

This move has been welcomed by Shadow chancellor Ed Balls. He stated that it is necessary for the government to recognize that the deficit cannot be reduced without getting growth and jobs in our economy and “so I think it probably does show that at last the Government is starting to shift.”

David Orr, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, also praised the Government for trying to deal with the issues. But he added that it is important to show boldness and strength in setting up the wrecked housing market (Government to underwrite mortgages fro first time buyers, 2011).

Another weakness of the coalition government lies in the handling of the health care reforms. Considerable opposition is being experienced by the coalition government over the policies regarding health care reforms. It was necessary to keep on finding ways to benefit the people by providing authentic healthcare and proving that NHS is safe in the hands of the Tories.

Consequently some changes were made to the legislation and amidst criticism from some Liberal Democrats along with the Labor the health bill cleared its Commons stages in September. It might face further criticism in the House of Lords (David Cameron’s NHS ‘support’ claim disputed by staff, 2011).

This plan makes the GPs and other clinicians more accountable regarding the use of the budget in England and promotes competition with the private sector. This has proved to be the most controversial and revolutionary plan in the history of health service (Lords debating NHS shape up bill, 2011).

It is important for Mr. Cameron to realize that his competency would be judged in handling problems tactfully at the domestic front or else the coalition government is going to be in much trouble.He will have to go further in evaluating the problems of budget deficit, flooding immigration, dealing with the issues like collapsing eurozone and the police force not functioning properly (Harris, 2011).

The party leader of the Conservatives is expected to be very responsible and competent owning the party traits like sharp sense, self–discipline, attentive attitude making him more powerful. David Cameron can prove to be a virtuous Prime Minister as he is intellectual, sophisticated and full of energy.

But it is important for Mr Cameron to understand that the Conservatives have showered trust on those leaders only who have shown respect for the party as he seems to be more comfortable with the ideas of the metropolitan liberal elite in spite of having a typically Tory background (Harris, 2011).

It is true that he is a good prime minister and dealing with the current scenario with great courage and confidence. He has worked very hard in the first year for repositioning his Party ideologically. The reduction of some sensitive issues like immigration, Europe, and single parenting he has portrayed Conservatives as an understanding and comprehensive Party.

Issues like work- life-balance, helping the socially dispossessed, promoting environmental friendly measures to deal with the growing climate changes and global warming have been major concerns of the government. Cameron has also given much importance to the betterment of public sector.

Cameron and government his coalition government may be happy with the point they have reached but many of his colleagues seem to be unconvinced and proclaim that he has a long way to go to reach the zenith of his political career (Dorey, 2007).

So, Mr. Cameron needs to put forth all his strength and competency in making this government trustworthy and to prove himself as a leader of an extraordinary and daring administration (Many miles to go, 2011).

Works Cited

“David Cameron”. n.d. Conservatives. Web.

“David Cameron: deficit harder to clear than first thought”. 2011. The Telegraph. Web.

“David Cameron’s NHS support claim disputed by staff”. 2011. BBC. Web.

Dorey, P. “A New Direction or Another False Dawn? David Cameron and the Crisis of British Conservatism. 2007”. British Politics (2007) 2, 137–166. doi:10.1057/palgrave.bp.4200051

“Government to underwrite mortgages fro first-time buyers”.2011. Yorkshirepost. Web.

Harris. R. “Dave is intelligent and polished- but he doesn’t understand the Tory party”. 2011. Mailonline. Web.

“Lords debating NHS shake-up bill”. 2011. BBC. Web.

“Many miles to go”. 2011. The Economist. Web.

“Prime Minister David Cameron’s biography”. 2011. 10. Web.

Underhill, W. “David Cameron’s Holiday Boost”. 2011. The daily beast. Web.