Nurses who work in primary care create, develop, implement, evaluate and critique policy with all the resulting ramifications for national and local practice development and patient care. Working in partnership with patients and users of healthcare, governance of practice, advances in roles, and service developments are examples of the evolving nature of primary care and raise issues about the leadership capacity. It is therefore essential that nurses feel equipped to lead practice and feel able to contribute effectively at all levels. By taking a critical perspective on the use of leadership theories, those working in primary care can develop their capability and capacity to move practice forward.