PM and the cabinet

Question 1

Was the role of PM ever formally created?

Answer 1

No, it simply emerged

Question 2

Who was the first generally recognised holder of the title of PM?

Answer 2

Robert Walpole, who was effectively PM until 1742 when he lost a vote of no confidence in Parliament. This is significant as it demonstrates that whilst the PM is formally chosen by the monarch, they must ultimately always command majority support in Parliament

Question 3

How did Asquith, an ex-PM, describe the role of PM?

Answer 3

He defined it as a constitutional practice that rested ‘on usage, custom’ and ‘convention’ and which ‘in the course of time received universal observance and respect’

Question 4

What was the first and only codified guide?

Answer 4

The 1992 Ministerial Code sets out the duties and expectations of the PM and government ministers. It is an example of piecemeal codification

Question 5

What is the origins of the post of UK PM an example of?

Answer 5

How Britain’s uncodified constitution often relies on convention and tradition instead of formal definition

Question 6

How is the PM chosen?

Answer 6

The PM isn’t directly chosen by voters in an election, the PM is the leader of the largest party in the Commons

Question 7

What is the monarch’s role in choosing the PM?

Answer 7

The monarch invites the leader of the largest party to form and lead the government, but convention requires them to summon the leader of the party most able to command a majority in the Commons

Question 8

What is an example of an election where the result was not clear cut?

Answer 8

In 2017, no party won an overall majority but as Theresa May was the leader of the largest single party, she was offered the first chance to form a government. She was able to form a ‘confidence and supply’ arrangement with the Democratic Unionist party

Question 9

How do PMs leave office?

Answer 9

Some lose an election and are forced out by voters
Others retire mid term due to health concerns eg Wilson in 1976
For others, pressure from the parliamentary party makes their position untenable
Some win an election without having a direct personal mandate eg May won the 2016 election after her rival, Angela Leadsome, pulled out of the race, so grassroots party members didn’t get a say

Question 10

What are the key roles of the core executive?

Answer 10

Making policy, passing legislation, financing and being a national first responder

Question 11

What is the role of the core executive in making policy?

Answer 11

The executive must first set political priorities and then decide on policy, often at cabinet meetings. Secondly, the civil service, must implement these policies

Question 12

What is the role of the core executive in passing legislation?

Answer 12

Although Parliament must pass all laws, major acts are first discussed at cabinet level and then sent to Parliament. This is usually straightforward as the prime minister’s party holds a Commons majority, but on occasion, as with Brexit, it is more problematic

Question 13

What is the role of the core executive in financing?

Answer 13

The executive must make decisions on taxation and government spending, these decisions are then announced in the annual budget. There has to be negotiation between different departments as to where and how taxpayer’s money is spent

Question 14

What is the role of the core executive in being the national first responder?

Answer 14

In times of national emergency the government must put together emergency measures to deal with the threat. This requires cooperation between departments eg the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic required input from departments of health, police and armed forces, education and social security, and the Treasury

Question 15

What are the main powers of the executive?

Answer 15

The appointment (and dismissal) of ministers by the PM
The deployment of armed forces overseas
International diplomacy
Making and ratifying treaties
The organisation and structure of the civil service
Issuing directives during national crises

Question 16

Where do the executive’s powers derive from?

Answer 16

Many derive from the royal prerogative, the powers that were once held by the monarch, which are now in the hands of the government

Question 17

Why are the prerogative powers of the executive significant?

Answer 17

a. The opportunity to deploy armed forces overseas is clearly important and doesn’t formally require parliamentary approval
b. PMs have unlimited choice over who joins their government and the existence of the Lords means the PM can even select ministers without a democratic mandate
c. In times of national crisis the executive deliver messages via social media to inform and reassure the public. Around 27 million people watched Boris Johnson’s lockdown announcement in the Covid-19 pandemic
d. Are crucial in negotiating treaties with other nations in areas like trade and defence, and don’t require parliamentary approval

Question 18

Why are the prerogative powers of the executive not significant?

Answer 18

a. By convention all recent military action overseas has been put before a Commons vote eg on the Syrian air strikes
b. PMs are constrained in their choice of ministers and must appoint a diverse cabinet from a broad spectrum of the governing party eg May had to appoint Remainers and Brexiteers. Also, few cabinet members actually come from Lords
c. The executive rely on parliament to pass legislation
d. The opposition are quick to critique and closely monitor the executive’s response to emergencies
e. Brexit shows how limited these prerogrative powers can be as a Supreme Court ruling forced the PM to submit any brexit deal before parliament
f. Even in foreign policy and diplomacy, the government is indirectly influenced by Parliament, the media and public opinion

Question 19

What is a quote by ex-PM William Gladstone about a PM’s inability to simply command and demand total obedience?

Answer 19

‘The head of the British Government is not a Grand Vizier. He has no powers, properly so called, over his colleagues.’

Question 20

What is a quote by ex-PM Herbert Asquith about the need for a PM to make hard and tough decisions with regard to ministerial colleagues and even policy decisions?

Answer 20

‘The first essential for a Prime Minister is to be a good butcher’

Question 21

What is a quote by ex-PM Herbert Asquith on the role of PM involving a lot of learning on the job?

Answer 21

‘The office of prime minister is what its holder chooses and is able to make of it’

Question 22

What is the accusation of presidentialism?

Answer 22

The accusation that the role of PM has morphed into one of a far more autocratic and towering figure, not least over the Cabinet. Some argue the venerable institution of the Cabinet has ceased to be a forum for open and balanced debate, it is now a powerless, compliant body full of ‘yes men and women’

Question 23

Who was accused of presidentialism?

Answer 23

The 1997-2007 Blair government who were often accused of favouring a ‘sofa government’
Even in the 2010-2015 coalition government, which by nature should have had greater concensus and compromise, had power concentrated in ‘The Quad’, Cameron, Clegg, Osborne and Alexander. This phenomenon is known as spatial leadership and resulted in a kitchen cabinet

Question 24

Elaborate on why SpAds are an issue

Answer 24

Some believe, PMs rely too much on special advisors. They are policy advisers who are often believed to wield too much power, at the expense of fellow ministers and the civil service

Question 25

Give an example of a SpAd

Answer 25

Often they are colourful figures, like Blair's chief of staff, Alastair Campbell, who famously intervened when Blair was questioned on his Christian faith, saying 'We don't do God'

Question 26

Why are PMs with weak or non existent parliamentary majorities proof presidentialism isn't an issue?

Answer 26

In 2018, the cabinet were deeply divided over May's 'Chequers deal', her own Brexit secretary, David Davis, even resigned over it. May suffered two crushing defeats in 2019 over her Brexit deal. She failed to get her deal through and was effectively forced out of office. Her position had been weakened by the division within her own party and her lack of an overall Common's majority

Question 27

Why are PMs with large majorities proof presidentialism isn't an issue?

Answer 27

Even PMs with large majorities can find themselves imperilled, with growing impatience over Thatcher's leadership style, she was effectively forced out of office due to criticism and divides within her party. This was partly due to her controversial poll tax policy. Loyalty from backbenchers is not guaranteed and is always conditional

Question 28

Why does the unclear position of SpAds show presidentialism isn't an issue?

Answer 28

The power of SpAds remains unclear. The tendency to appoint and listen to them is often a consequence of the sentiment that the civil service is too set in its ways, has cumbersome procedures and often has its own agena.

Question 29

Why has the role of PM changed greatly in recent years?

Answer 29

a. Some recent PMs like Thatcher and Blair have been accused of presidentialism and bypassing full cabinet discussions, instead preferring smaller gatherings of key advisers b. There has been growth in the use of SpAds instead of seeking policy advice from the civil service c. Development of social media resulted in a focus shift to the personality and style of individuals, rather than the wider cabinet. This can be seen by the increase of televised leader's debates as part of general election campaigns d. Increased media scrutiny means PMs often focus on the popular media by trying to take their message directly to the people

Question 30

Why has the role of PM not changed greatly in recent years?

Answer 30

a. There have been no formal changes in their powers, the prerogative powers have stayed the same, and some powers have even been reduced eg easily calling a general election b. The 'predominant premierships' of Thatcher and Blair should be assessed alongside the imperilled ones of May and Cameron's coalition c. SpAd's influence is often exaggerated and when devising the government's response to the Covid pandemic, the most powerful advice came from medical experts like the chief medical officer, Professor Whitty. Often advice comes from fellow ministers or the civil service d. Image aware PMs often try to present themselves as collegiate, eg in the Covid-19 emergency, Johnson often appeared at media briefings with the Chief Scientific advisor Sir Vallance

Question 31

What did Michael Foley say in his 2000 work The British Presidency about the role of PM?

Answer 31

'British politics has accommodated and adjusted to a distinctive presidential dimension'

Question 32

What factors affect policy making?

Answer 32

1. Manifesto promises 2. Personal convictions of the party leader 3. Outcome of referendums 4. Results of deals with minority/ other coalition parties 5. Responses to national crises 6. Mounting pressure from the public and media 7. Changing social attitudes

Question 33

What is an example of manifesto promises affecting how policy is made?

Answer 33

In their 2017 manifesto, the Conservatives offered working parents/ carers of 3-4 year olds, earning less than £100,000, 30 hours of free childcare a week. It was hoped this would increase the number of parents in work, therefore paying taxes and contributing to the nation's economy, as well as giving children beneficial opportunities for socialisation. This was rolled out by September 2017.

Question 34

What is an example of a PM's personal convictions affecting how policy is made?

Answer 34

Thatcher was a 'conviction politician' who had a clear belief in the benefits of a property owning democracy. Council house tenants were given the 'Right to Buy', where they could buy their own homes at a substantially lower rate from local councils. In 1981, England and Wales had 5.4 million households in council housing, by 1991, that dropped to 4.5 million

Question 35

What is an example of the outcome of a referendum affecting how policy is made?

Answer 35

Cameron held a referendum on the UK's continued membership of the EU in 2016. There was a 52% victory for those supporting Leave and May was subsequently left with the challenge of implementing this. She personally voted Remain but pledged to uphold the referendum result. Therefore, her policy making was the opposite of a 'conviction approach', it was based on democratic duty

Question 36

What is an example of deals with minority/ other coalition parties affecting how policy is made?

Answer 36

After the hung parliament produced by the 2010 election, a coalition was formed between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, compromise between the manifesto promises of both parties was needed. The Liberal Democrats vocally supported electoral reform and a more proportional system than First Past the Post. This policy was adopted as part of the coalition agreement which promised a referendum on adopting the Alternative Vote system, however there was little public enthusiasm and the proposal was defeated by 67.9%

Question 37

What is an example of responding to national crises affecting how policy is made?

Answer 37

Emergencies often require the PM to appear calm, reassuring and decisive. Often requiring them to pass emergency legislation. PMs need to be seen as reacting and responding so often have to make up policy as they go along. During the Covid-19 pandemic, government policy was needed to protect the economy, support those in financial need and mobilise health resources. Government action included the introduction of social distancing and the passing of emergency legislation like the Coronavirus act 2020, which introduced penalties for anyone breaking restrictions by attending social gatherings or undertaking non essential travel

Question 38

What is an example of mounting pressure from the public and media affecting how policy is made?

Answer 38

Pressure groups like Extinction Rebellion use direct action to draw attention to the issue of climate change. Also, high profile individuals like Greta Thunberg, attract large followings. The popularity of these movements adds urgency to plans to reduce carbon emissions. In 2019, the UK government pledged to cut greenhouse gases to almost zero by 2050 and ex-PM May said there was a 'moral duty to leave this world in a better condition that what we inherited'

Question 39

What is an example of changing social attitudes affecting how policy is made?

Answer 39

The swinging sixties were a time of rapid social change characterised by the liberalisation of attitudes towards sex, marriage and women's rights. Most governments are essentially pragmatic and keen to be seen as 'in touch' with voters. Under Wilson's Labour governments of 1964- 70 legal changes reflected social change with the abolition of the death penalty, the decriminalisation of male homosexuality and the 1969 divorce reform act. Many of these were introduced as Private Member's Bills but with government support, showing policy making is often reactive rather than proactive.

Question 40

What is the consequences of war going badly?

Answer 40

The PM looks weak and to possess poor judgement, there is also the moral dimension of lives lost for no positive purpose

Question 41

Why did Blair commit troops to the Iraq War?

Answer 41

US President Bush asked Blair to commit British troops to a US led invasion of Iraq

Question 42

How did Blair justify the involvement of British troops in the Iraq war?

Answer 42

He justified involvement on the grounds of the removal of weapons of mass destruction and discredited intelligence reports that they could be launched within 45 minutes. The decision was largely due to Blair wanting to cement his strong personal relationship with Bush and to deepen the 'coalition of the willing'

Question 43

Was UK involvement in the Iraq war necessary?

Answer 43

It would have been relatively easy for the UK to follow the example of France and Germany and stay on the sidelines. There was no pressure from the cabinet or indeed the public for the UK to become involved militarily. Although the cabinet was briefed on the situation many times prior to the invasion, ministers were denied access to key papers. Blair's preference for informal 'sofa government' meant there was little informed collective discussion. Blair also disregarded security warnings and there was scant discussion of other policy options

Question 44

What happened in the Iraq war?

Answer 44

Formal military victory was largely straightforward and Iraq's dictator Saddam Hussein was removed. Far more difficult, was the creation of a peaceful and successful state with Iraq descending into a bloody civil war. Over 180 British lives were lost, alongside thousands of Iraqis, and no weapons of mass destruction were found. There were also allegations that British soliders committed human rights abuses

Question 45

What was the reaction to the Iraq war?

Answer 45

Anti war protests took place across the UK and the public's trust of Blair plummeted. A series of official reports like the 2016 Chilcot report were very critical of the government's actions

Question 46

What increased scrutiny and criticism of the government's Iraq war policy?

Answer 46

The resignation of a high profile cabinet minister, Robin Cook, and the suicide of government scientist, David Kelly

Question 47

What is an example of how the prime minister can dictate policy decisions?

Answer 47

The 2003 invasion of Iraq by Blair

Question 48

What is the legacy of the Iraq war?

Answer 48

The reluctance of subsequent UK governments to deploy ground forces in further Middle eastern conflicts

Question 49

What are the institutional powers of a PM?

Answer 49

1. Appointing and dismissing ministers 2. Chairing weekly cabinet meetings and setting the agenda 3. Arranging and sometimes chairing cabinet committees 4. Dictating policy priorities 5. The Cabinet Office 6. Usually commanding a Commons majority so legislation can be passed 7. Issuing honours like life peerages

Question 50

What are the personal and political powers of a PM?

Answer 50

1. The momentum and political capital that comes from leading their party to victory in the previous general election 2. Effective management of colleagues, in the cabinet and the backbenches 3. Personal qualities eg effective communicator and national leader 4. The ability to unite and rally their own party 5. Skill in managing the economy and handling unexpected challenges

Question 51

What are both institutional powers and personal and political powers dependent on?

Answer 51

1. Opinion poll ratings and the results of more recent elections 2. Personalities in their cabinet and party 3. Potential leadership challenges 4. Strength and threat posed by the main opposition

Question 52

What is the institutional power of a PM to appoint and dismiss ministers?

Answer 52

PMs can hire and fire ministers without requiring the approval of anyone else

Question 53

What is an example of the institutional power of a PM to appoint and dismiss ministers?

Answer 53

When Johnson took over in 2019 he dismissed eleven senior ministers. the Sun newspaper dubbed the reshuffle, the 'Night of the blond knives' in an allusion to Wilson's 1962 reshuffle which was nicknamed the 'Night of the Long Knives'

Question 54

How significant was the the institutional power of a PM to appoint and dismiss ministers?

Answer 54

This is a powerful and largely unchecked power, but with some significant limitations. 1. First PMs need to be careful to maintain a balance in Cabinet, this refers to the gender and ethnic diversity of the Cabinet, but also in terms of policy positions eg May had to appoint both Leave and Remain supporters in her Cabinet. 2. Furthermore, PMs must be careful who they sack as an ex-minister on the backbenches can have damaging consequences eg Thatcher demoted foreign secretary Geoffrey Howe in 1989, and a year later he resigned, in his resignation speech, he inflicted lasting damage on the PM's credibility. 3. Too many cabinet reshuffles can also make a leader seem weak and/or difficult to work with. 4. Finally, coalition governments bring even more constraints to these powers of appointment. In the 2010 coalition, Cameron ceded patronage powers of five cabinet ranking posts to the Liberal democrat leader, Clegg

Question 55

What is the institutional power of a PM in their authority over the cabinet?

Answer 55

All PMs exercise formal control over the Cabinet and dictate when and where it meets. They also decide the agenda and formally chair proceedings. All members of the cabinet and all ministers are required to support cabinet decisions. But agreement within the cabinet is never automatic, it is largely dependent on the personalities, the issues and the wider context. For example, Blair was never able to persuade his chancellor, Brown, to support the UK adopting the Euro currency. Wise PMs use cabinet as a sounding board and to ratify decisions made elsewhere. However, ministers, often the disgruntled ones, may leak details of cabinet discussions to the media.

Question 56

What is the institutional power of a PM in the arrangement and sometimes chairing of cabinet committees?

Answer 56

Most decisions made by the full cabinet are effectively pre decided by cabinet committees. PMs can order and structure these as they wish. An example of one of the main cabinet committees is the Crime and Justice Task force. The use and effectiveness of committees is largely down to individual ministers and the PM. Committees are often established to deal with current concerns, eg May set up several on Brexit.The mere existence of cabinet committees doesn't demonstrate their significance eg although Blair set up many, they were not fitting with his style of governance. On the other hand, the 2010 coalition government gave cabinet committees a lot of significance, Letwin said they helped 'ensure that the government as a whole would abide by and enforce those rules that underpinned the coalition'. However, Osborne didn't really believe in cabinet committees so the economic ones rarely met. Committees are a classic example of a resource that different PMs can choose to deploy, rearrange or largely ignore. However, they are seen as important to the smooth operation of cabinet.

Question 57

What is the institutional power of a PM in dictating policy priorities?

Answer 57

The PM can set priorities and the Cabinet agenda which enables them to exert their influence and political principles. This is especially so for those with strong mandates and majorities eg Blair, or those elected on a clear platform eg Johnson's Get Brexit Done. Blair was able to achieve much of what he set out to do, he prioritised modernising the Constitution and showing that New Labour had developed from its traditional socialist roots. However, PMs don't have unchecked power, they are often bound by manifesto promises and constrained by unfolding developments eg an economic recession prevents a boost in public spending. Furthermore, many policies require foreign cooperation eg Brexit needed other EU member states to agree to the deal

Question 58

What is the institutional power of a PM over the Cabinet office?

Answer 58

The role of the Cabinet office, as described on the website is to 'support the Prime Minister and ensure the effective running of government'. It acts as the corporate headquarters for central government. Individual PMs often tweaked the priorities and roles of the Cabinet Office to reflect current issues eg during Covid-19 pandmeic a Rapid Response unit was set up to deal with misinformation by working with social media platforms to block false narratives

Question 59

What is the institutional power of a PM as party leader?

Answer 59

As party leader, the PM has additional resources. Due to their party's overall majority, a PM can usually guarantee that their policies and legislation get through parliament. As the PM is elected by their MPs, their authority has legitimacy. The party is also aware that divided parties who constantly criticise their own leader, rarely win elections. However, party loyalty is conditional, not absolute. Recent PMs eg Thatcher, have been effectively forced out by their own MPs. The party is also able to influence the PM's policy eg Conservative rebellions over Europe led Cameron to promise an in/out referendum on the UK's continued membership

Question 60

What is the institutional power of a PM to dispense honours?

Answer 60

One of their prerogative powers PMs can award life peerages. This is often used to alter the balance of the House of Lords for party advantage. Blair and Brown made 173 Labour peers but only allowed 66 conservative nominations to go through. An independent Appointments Commission makes recommendations for non-party political peerages and vets all party political nominations to ensure 'propriety'. Despite these checks, Cameron's resignation honours in 2016 sparked controversy. The independent ran the headline that his honours list 'would embarrass a medieval court'. Several generous party donors were rewarded including Andrew Cook who gave more than £1 million to the party. Honours are a way to reward the loyal and generous but when used unwisely can lead to accusations of cronyism and 'cash for honours'

Question 61

Why are personal and political powers important?

Answer 61

They help a leader dominate, even if only for a limited period, their government and cabinet. To do this they must have political capital

Question 62

What is political capital?

Answer 62

Political capital is a readiness to follow a leader due to previous achievements. It is enhanced when PM's 'get it right' with a high risk policy and is jeopardized when they miscalculate. It is crucial that PMs show good political judgement eg Blair comprehensively won early elections in 2001 and 2005 which cemented his authority- but this did not deflect mounting internal criticism over the Iraq war. Enhanced political capital means PMs can shift the balance of power within their cabinets over time, promoting loyalists, and marginalising critics. However, they must carefully avoid creating an 'echo chamber' in the cabinet

Question 63

How do the powers of the cabinet compare to the powers of the PM?

Answer 63

The Cabinet has far fewer resources. Its member's positions are entirely due to the PM and dissent can cause ministers to be sidelined or demoted. But cabinet ministers are far from powerless, they can exercise power and provide a check on the PM in a number of ways. Much of their relationship is dependent on context and circumstances. Success, with policy or at polls, brings authority. Growing unpopularity and failures spells disaster

Question 64

How does the cabinet exercise power and provide a check on the PM?

Answer 64

1. Most ministers have a fair degree of autonomy over policy details. PMs are unlikely to micromanage their senior ministers and usually just set the tone instead of being involved in policy minutiae. 2. Ministers have their own links to the media and pressure groups so in extreme cases can leak information or brief journalists against policies eg in 2019 defence secretary Williamson was said to have deliberately leaked details about the security threat posed by Huawei in constructing Britain's 5G network to undermine the policy 3. Powerful ministers can sometimes refuse to be moved eg in 2018 health secretary Hunt refused to be moved and convinced May to give him an enhanced role by adding social care to his policy portfolio. This shows the weakened power of a PM with shrunken political capital 4. Cabinet meetings involve real debate and discussion and are often used to gauge opinions over policies before committing to them 5. The biggest weapon available to ministers is the power to resign of their own accord, large numbers of ministers resigning implies a weak and divided government

Question 65

What is proof that a Cabinet government still exists?

Answer 65

a. Cabinet remains a key form for high level policy decisions b. The cabinet can influence policy, is used to take soundings and promote a more coordinated approach to policy c. Senior and influential ministers can be hard to sack eg Hunt as Health secretary under May d. Too many cabinet resignations can be a sign of weakness and on the backbenches, former ministers are a focus for internal opposition to the PM e. Government departments have their own senior civil servants and political advisors who give ministers policy support and expertise

Question 66

What is proof that a cabinet government no longer exists?

Answer 66

a. Many decisions are made at cabinet committee level or in bilateral meetings b. Many meetings are brief and cabinet is used more often to simply resolve disputes between departments c. Cabinet ministers are appointed by the PM and must do their bidding. They can easily be removed by sacking or demotion d. Prime ministers can mould 'a cabinet of compliance' over time e. The Cabinet office has an increasing role in providing research and policy advice across departments so it can bypass the formal cabinet structure

Question 67

What responsibilities do ministers have?

Answer 67

Ministers all have collective responsibility, individual responsibility and ministerial accountability

Question 68

Why is collective responsibility important?

Answer 68

It enables the government to speak with one voice and present a united front. It means that all ministers support and defend government policy publically. This means the government doesn't publically appear chaotic and divided. The 'what happens in cabinet stays in cabinet' theory applies. Those who can't accept this burden, must resign. However, it has been suspended in the past eg during the 2016 EU membership referndum. It is also undermined by non-attributable ministerial leaks and open dissent eg the then foreign secretary Johnson said that gloomy economic forecasts were 'mumbo jumbo'

Question 69

How does the cabinet manual describe collective responsibility?

Answer 69

'All members of the government are bound by the convention of collective responsibility except where it is explicitly set aside'

Question 71

Do ministers fall over policy failure?

Answer 71

Almost never because all major policy is agreed upon by the cabinet collectively therefore if a policy fails, blame is usually shared collectively. One rare exception was the resignation of Callaghan in 1967 over the devaluation crisis, but he was simply shuffled sideways to take the post of home secretary

Question 72

Why do ministers resign to accept blame for an error within their department?

Answer 72

It's the rarest reason for resignation as ministers usually absolve themselves from any errors of implementation eg ministers escaped with their jobs after reports found departmental mistakes over the sale of arms to Iraq and instead blame civil servants or the heads of executive agencies eg in the wake of the exams fiasco it was Sally Collier, head of the government's exam regulator Ofqual who resigned

Question 73

Why do ministers resign over an unwillingness to accept collective responsibility?

Answer 73

It happens when a minister disagrees strongly over a particular policy, but resignations for this reason are uncommon as parties are elected on a shared platform of policies. For example, in 2003, leading Labour frontbencher Robin Cook resigned over the Iraq War

Question 74

Why do ministers resign over an inability to deliver a policy promise in their own department?

Answer 74

This is a rare cause of resignation, triggered by a minister feeling they have been undermined by other Whitehall departments or a change in government policy that directly concerns their department. It is a resignation on a point of principle but is much lower profile than a refusal to accept collective responsibility. For example, in 2020 Sajid Javid resigned as chancellor after rejecting the PM's order to fire his team of aides

Question 75

Why do ministers resign over personal misconduct?

Answer 75

It's the most frequent cause of resignation and covers a range of misdemeanours, but basically means 'letting the side down'. It relates to ministers breaking one of the seven principles in the Ministerial Code: 1. Selflessness 2. Integrity 3. Objectivity 4. Accountability 5. Openness 6. Honesty 7. Leadership For example, Liberal Democrat MP Chris Huhne was forced out in 2012 for perverting the course of justice over a speeding ticket. He got his wife to take the speeding points so he wouldn't get a driving ban. This broke the honesty principle. However, ministers don't have to resign if they break the ministerial code. In 2020, the home secretary, Priti Patel, was found to have broken the code by bullying and swearing at some of the civil servants in her department. She only had to issue an apology and received an official warning

Question 76

Why do ministers resign over political pressure?

Answer 76

Fundamentally, over time a minister becomes increasingly embroiled in controversy and negative publicity and it becomes harder for the PM to resist calls for the minister in question's resignation eg in 2012 Andrew Mitchell was forced to resign over the 'Plebgate' scandal

Question 77

Is the PM accountable to Parliament?

Answer 77

Modern PMs are often accused of being presidential, however they remain accountable to Parliament

Question 78

How is the executive unaccountable to parliament?

Answer 78

a. Answers in Parliament like PMQs are performative and often avoid probing questions b. The ministerial principles are open to interpretation, ministers often claim they were unaware of an error and often don't resign if they have the PM's backing c. Select committees have little real power and a poor performance doesn't guarantee a dismissal d. Party loyalty is guaranteed, not just because of party discipline but a desire to prevent opponent's gaining ground

Question 79

How is the executive accountable to Parliament?

Answer 79

a. Ministers are subject to grillings during ministerial questions and PMQs, the televising of these occasions makes a poor performance more significant b. All members of the executive must follow the principles of the ministerial code c. Ministers appear before select committees, and answer honestly to probing questions d. The PM must retain their party's support and often ministers may expose the flaws in their party's leader