PM and the executive Flashcards

Question

The factors governing the prime minister's selection of ministers

Answer 1

* Selecting the members of a cabinet is one of the key roles played by a prime minister. If they get this wrong, they will suffer difficulties ranging from poor policy making to constant threats to their own position. It may seem simple — to choose the best men and women for the job; but there is more to it than that. * To pack the cabinet with the prime minister’s own allies. This ensures unity and bolsters the prime minister’s power, but it may lack critical voices who can improve decision making. After 1982 this was the tactic adopted by Margaret Thatcher (1979–90), an especially dominant prime minister with a great singularity of purpose. Tony Blair (1997–2007) adopted a similar approach. * To pick a balanced cabinet that reflects the different policy tendencies in the ruling party. When Theresa May became prime minister in 2016 she chose such a cabinet, which included some of her former adversaries such as Boris Johnson, David Davis, Andrea Leadsom and Liam Fox. It was especially important for her to include members who were both in favour of and against leaving the EU. She did, though, keep some key allies close to her, including Chancellor Philip Hammond and Home Secretary Amber Rudd. John Major (1990–97) was forced into choosing a similarly varied cabinet. * To pick a cabinet of the best possible people. Such a cabinet has not been seen since the 1960s and 1970s when Harold Wilson (1964–70, 1974–76) and James Callaghan (1976–79) assembled a group ‘of all the talents’. Prime ministers have complete patronage powers so they can reshuﬄe their cabinets at will. Some prime ministers have changed the personnel in this way annually. Dismissing and appointing new ministers is a device prime ministers can use for asserting and re-asserting their authority, as well as ensuring the quality of government. * Neutralise a potential rebel or rival — because of collective responsibility, including such a potential opponent can be an effective way of silencing them (2016 Boris Johnson) (2017 Michael Gove's return to the Cabinet as Environment Secretary after May's disastrous election- seen as an effort to neutralize a rival and placate the brexiteers) * Rewarding loyalty and including key allies — but also conciliating potential rivals Blair began his second term in 2001 by appointing several committed supporters of the New Labour project to key positions, including David Blunkett as Home Secretary and Alan Milburn as Health Secretary. They were also personally loyal to him. It is politically wise to occupy potentially troublesome MPs with senior posts, even if this means handling tensions within the team. Blair's appointment of Brown as chancellor, and his acceptance that he could not move him to another post against his wishes, is a good example of this limitation on a prime minister's freedom of action. * Meeting expectations of diversity When he formed his first Cabinet in 1990, John Major faced adverse comment for including no women — something that he later corrected. Since then it has become the norm for prime ministers to appoint a number of female ministers, and not only to middle- and lower-ranking Cabinet posts. Margaret Beckett, made Foreign Secretary by Tony Blair in 2006, was the first woman to hold one of the three most senior posts under the prime minister. There has also been greater representation of ethnic-minority groups in recent years. Sajid Javid, a leading MP of Asian background, has served in both the Cameron and May governments.

Answer 2

· The management skills of the prime minister some PMs are better at managing the cabinet. A skilled prime minister will exploit the elastic nature of the office to assert control over the Cabinet. The right to appoint and dismiss ministers can be used to reshape the top team, to remove poor performers and bring in new blood, and to marginalise opponents. Patronage · The prime minister's ability to set the agenda Decisions are rarely, if ever, taken in Cabinet by holding a vote. The prime minister's traditional right to chair the meeting and to sum up at the end is an important source of influence. He or she can also keep certain items off the agenda of Cabinet meetings. Harold Wilson, for example, refused to allow discussion of devaluation of the pound in the period 1964-67, even though several ministers wanted to open up the argument. · The use of Cabinet committees and informal groups to take decisions Since 1945 prime ministers have made increasing use of Cabinet committees to take decisions, which are later ratified by the full Cabinet. By choosing the membership of these committees, and taking the chair of the most important ones — or placing this responsibility in the hands of a reliable ally — the prime minister can exercise a significant degree of control. On entering Number 10, Theresa May decided to chair three important committees, including the one dealing with the crucial issue of Britain's exit from the EU. Many decisions are taken in smaller, informal groups, or in bilateral meetings. For example, the market-sensitive decision to place management of interest rates in the hands of the Bank of England was taken by Tony Blair and Gordon Brown within days of the 1997 election victory, and the rest of the Cabinet were informed later. Under the coalition, the presence of two parties in government meant that it was necessary to have more discussion of policy in Cabinet. Yet, even then, an informal body known as 'the Quad' — David Cameron, Nick Clegg and their two most senior colleagues, Chancellor George Osborne and Chief Treasury Secretary Danny Alexander — met regularly to resolve differences between the coalition partners. · The development of the Prime Minister's Office and the Cabinet Office Although there is no official 'Prime Minister's Department', the prime minister has access to more resources than other ministers, with a Prime Minister's Office in Number 10 Downing Street staffed by a combination of civil servants and special advisers drawn from the governing party. Harold Wilson created the Policy Unit in 1974 to enable the prime minister to gain an overview and to drive policy across departments. Under Blair there was close co-operation between the Prime Minister's Office and the Cabinet Office to support the co-ordination and implementation of policy. The Press Office, which handles the government's presentation in the media, also works closely with the prime minister. Under Blair it gained enhanced importance as part of a newly created Communications and Strategy Directorate in Downing Street. Boris Johnson was seen as too reliant on his adviser Dominic Cummings. · The impact of the wider political and economic situation It is important to note that the degree to which the prime minister can dominate the Cabinet is affected by a variety of external pressures. A prime minister with a large parliamentary majority and a united party, such as Blair in the wake of the 1997 Labour landslide, will find it much easier to gain ascendancy than one like Major, whose control over the Commons was precarious from 1992 onwards. Popularity with the public, a booming economy and an ability to master events rather than appear as their victim all strengthen the hand of the prime minister in dealing with the Cabinet. Margaret Thatcher's standing improved enormously after victory in the 1982 Falklands War. Gordon Brown was harmed by his decision not to hold a general election on becoming prime minister, after allowing expectations of a contest to build, and his authority was further undermined by the financial crash of 2007-08. Theresa May lost authority when Parliament rejected her deal with the EU over Brexit.

Answer 3

The decline of the cabinet has increased the power of the prime minister, with less frequent meetings and a less collective body. Prime Ministers now dominate policy leadership, such as May's support for Grammar Schools and Cameron's lack of enthusiasm. Blair was accused of 'control freakery' and used the term 'joined up government' to manipulate the media. Blair's cabinets were likened to a presidential approach, with short full-cabinet meetings rubber-stampeding decisions taken elsewhere. He repeatedly sidelined his Cabinet colleagues and exploited group-think to railroad through the Iraq invasion. Sir John Chilcot found that on at least 11 occasions, decisions were taken without any reference to the most senior figures in his own Cabinet. However, the cabinet has some functions common to all UK administrations. In emergency or crisis situations, the prime minister may rely on the collective wisdom of the cabinet to make decisions. This is particularly common in military situations, such as the Syrian civil war and the war against the Taliban in Afghanistan. Cabinet meetings are held in secret, helping when military and security matters are at stake. The cabinet also sets the way in which policy is presented to Parliament, MPs, peers, and the media, presenting a united front. Occasionally, disputes can arise between ministers, but the cabinet acts as the final 'court of appeal' when this is not possible. Most government business must pass through Parliament, and the cabinet settles the government's agenda. Most of the cabinet's time is spent ratifying decisions reached elsewhere, with ministers informed in advance and their civil servants preparing brief summaries of proposed proposals. Negotiations are usually settled outside the cabinet room, making the cabinet a 'clearing house' for decisions.

Answer 4

After the 2010 general election, no party had an overall majority in the House of Commons, necessitating the formation of a coalition to command such a majority. A minority government is challenging to form, as it requires building support among MPs for each legislative proposal. In 2010, a coalition was quickly agreed between the Conservative and Liberal Democrat leaderships, with David Cameron as prime minister and Nick Clegg as deputy prime minister. The Coalition Agreement was developed, with cabinet places apportioned in a 22:5 ratio between the two parties. The cabinet was responsible for appointments or dismissals to 22 Conservative posts and five Liberal Democrat posts. The coalition marked a brief 'golden age' for the cabinet, as it became an essential role in the politics of the coalition. Disputes within the coalition were inevitable, and the cabinet was a key place to resolve them. If a policy dispute arose, the cabinet would be called on to clarify the issue. David Cameron used an 'inner cabinet', consisting of himself, Chancellor George Osborne, the Liberal Democrat leader, Nick Clegg, and Danny Alexander, known as the Quad.

Answer 5

After the 2010 general election, no party had an overall majority in the House of Commons, necessitating the formation of a coalition to command such a majority. A minority government is challenging to form, as it requires building support among MPs for each legislative proposal. In 2010, a coalition was quickly agreed between the Conservative and Liberal Democrat leaderships, with David Cameron as prime minister and Nick Clegg as deputy prime minister. The Coalition Agreement was developed, with cabinet places apportioned in a 22:5 ratio between the two parties. The cabinet was responsible for appointments or dismissals to 22 Conservative posts and five Liberal Democrat posts. The coalition marked a brief 'golden age' for the cabinet, as it became an essential role in the politics of the coalition. Disputes within the coalition were inevitable, and the cabinet was a key place to resolve them. If a policy dispute arose, the cabinet would be called on to clarify the issue. David Cameron used an 'inner cabinet', consisting of himself, Chancellor George Osborne, the Liberal Democrat leader, Nick Clegg, and Danny Alexander, known as the Quad.

Answer 6

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has been criticized for his inexperienced Cabinet, which has been criticized for investing too much power in too small a team. This has led to a concentration of power and strategizing, with good ideas not being heard and bad ideas not being checked. Critics argue that this concentration of power can lead to a "bunker of close allies surrounded by a lightweight, supine and largely ineffectual Cabinet chosen mainly for their commitment to Brexit or their loyalty to Mr. Johnson." The government's criticism of Johnson's Cabinet is based on the danger of investing too much power in too small a team, namely Johnson, his chief advisers, and a few trusted allies from the former Vote Leave campaign. The Financial Times accused Johnson of presiding over "a bunker of close allies surrounded by a lightweight, supine and largely ineffectual Cabinet chosen mainly for their commitment to Brexit or their loyalty to Mr. Johnson." More control of communications was taken in to the Number 10 machine, with plans for presidential style press briefing and an expensive briefing room refurbished. However, this change effectively reduces the Cabinet to just another set of government spokespeople, allowed out only when No 10 wants. Not one story has said whether the Cabinet was consulted about this change. Liz Truss, the new leader of the Conservative Party, has favored those who supported her in the leadership contest, rather than trying to include different strands of opinion within the party. Ministers identified with the defeated candidate, Rishi Sunak, have been evicted to make way for Truss loyalists such as the new Health Secretary and Deputy PM, Thérèse Coffey. This makes political sense in terms of conciliating rivals at the top of the governing party, but most of these senior figures endorsed Truss after dropping out of the contest.

Answer 7

A clue to Rishi Sunak's first cabinet is the prominence of two chancellors – of the exchequer and the Duchy of Lancaster – and the limited role of the deputy prime minister Dominic Raab. Chancellors Jeremy Hunt and Oliver Dowden are chairs and deputy chairs of multiple committees, and Hunt has control of the wide-ranging Home Affairs Committee. Chairing a committee matters beyond the status it conveys – both in the meeting when deciding how to manage the discussion and to sum up, and before and after in setting the agenda and prioritising follow up work. So chairing 'HA' gives Hunt the opportunity to range widely across the domestic policy agenda and, as importantly, strengthens the Treasury’s already powerful role in blocking initiatives of which Hunt does not approve. This reinforces the idea that Raab’s role as deputy is more about status and symbolism than as a genuine no.2 to Sunak. It also shows that the Treasury – orthodox or otherwise – will play a central role in policy-making in this government. And if the prime minister is serious about continuing Johnson’s plans to level up the UK he might come to regret the lack of a specific committee on a project which will only succeed with tight cross-government co-ordination. However boring he tried to be Sunak had to include the very un boring- rather bonkers- Suella Braverman for reasons of unity and because he needed her support to become PM. Braverman was dismissed as Home Secretary in the cabinet reshuffle of 13 November 2023, and was replaced by James Cleverly, who had been the Foreign Secretary. David Cameron became Foreign Secretary in a move seen a a return to 'boring'.

Answer 8

Examples of control: Thatcher was perhaps the first PM to act like a president. She made policy ‘on the hoof’ without much discussion- she was even accused treating her cabinet with a lack of respect. She reduced number and duration of cabinet meetings, and portrayed herself as the dominant character within her party (her image was displayed at Tory party meetings). She clashed with party members more wedded to One Nation conservative principles (dubbed the ‘wets’), but was able to successfully reduce their influence in the party (in favour of her allies, the ‘dries’). Events often worked in her favour- the victory in the Falklands War greatly strengthened her popularity and authority. She had something of a mixed media image, however. Some in the press praised her dominance, conviction and control, whereas others saw her as inflexible and uncaring. Examples of lack of control: Thatcher’s authority and control started to weaken towards the end of her premiership. Perhaps this was because she had been in power for so long (11 years) and had started to see herself as invincible. This was demonstrated by her attempt to introduce the poll tax- a council tax that was calculated according to the number of people living in a property, rather than how large or valuable the property was. Many Conservatives advised her against introducing this, fearing that it would be very unpopular, but Thatcher refused to listen and pressed ahead with the policy in the face of large protests against it. As a result, her popularity declined and her party lost faith in her ability to deliver electoral success. The resignation of her previously loyal deputy prime minister Geoffrey Howe (over this issue of being undermined over discussions over Europe) was the trigger for Michael Heseltine to launch a leadership challenge. In the ensuing leadership contest, Thatcher failed to win enough support to carry on as leader and subsequently resigned. This shows how, by the end, she was no longer in control of her cabinet or party, so had to step down.

Answer 9

Examples of control: Tony Blair became PM in 1997, and, in contrast to Major, closely controlled his party members and its media image, through the extensive use of ‘spin’ (spin doctor Alastair Campbell was a key figure in Blair’s government). When he came to power, he had a strong media image and was overwhelmingly popular with the public, who had grown tired of 18 years of Conservative rule. The economy was strong, and remained so until after he left office, so strengthening his economic credibility. Blair extended his control over the cabinet, reducing the time he met and discussed policy with them. Instead, he relied more on hand-picked special advisers and informal meetings with key colleagues to formulate policy (dubbed ‘sofa government’). This allowed him to make decisions effectively bypassing the cabinet, so increasing his control. A number of policies were successfully implemented, partly due to the large majorities Blair always enjoyed in government. For example, the House of Lords was partially reformed and devolved governments were introduced in Scotland and Wales. Perhaps Blair’s biggest success with the Good Friday Agreement (1998), a continuation of Major’s efforts to make peace in Northern Ireland. A Northern Ireland Assembly was created, with the provision that power would be shared between unionists and republicans, so satisfying both sides. Other successes included the introduction of a minimum wage and civil partnerships for same-sex couples. He was able to lead support of the US-led invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq in 2001 __and __2003, despite some opposition. Examples of lack of control: Blair’s biggest restriction was the Chancellor, Gordon Brown. It was rumoured that the two had made a deal whereby Blair would serve as PM, then hand over to Brown at some point in the future, in return for Brown not opposing Blair in the 1994 __Labour leadership election. Brown knew that he would not be sacked by Blair, and built up a large power base in the Treasury. Blair had to take Brown into consideration when making policy, and did not take the UK into the European single currency (as he had wished), as this was blocked by Brown. To keep Brown on side, Blair announced that he would not fight another election after __2005- this damaged his authority, as speculation began over when he would step down. The Iraq War was a very damaging event for Blair personally. The evidence used to justify the war was later found to have been exaggerated (although Blair may not have known this at the time), and there had been no proper plan as to what would happen once the regime had been toppled. As a result, Blair’s popularity plummeted (along with much of his authority), and his legacy is dominated by his perceived failures over Iraq. He eventually stood down in 2007, and, in contrast to his early years in government, continues to have a rather negative public image

Answer 10

Boris Johnson’s tenure in Number 10 and the manner of his departure provide good material for essays on the nature and scope of prime ministerial power and the relationships within the executive. Johnson pulled the Treasury closer to No. 10, imposed iron discipline on departmental advisers, made controversial political appointments to the civil service, announced plans to streamline government communications. In past decades, successive prime ministers have complained about this lack of control and an inability to keep a close eye on departments, increasing the chances of being blindsided by crises. Tony Blair, David Cameron and Theresa May were all accused, in various ways and at various points in their premierships, of similarly trying to become more presidential, though real reform of Whitehall failed to materialize. Boris Johnson's war in Ukraine initially proved beneficial for him, as he built a close personal relationship with President Zelensky and became seen as a strong supporter of Ukraine. This helped him during the UK economy's struggles with Brexit, as leaving the EU allowed him to act swiftly and independently. Johnson used the war as a justification for staying in office after the vote of confidence in June 2022. Johnson's handling of the Covid crisis was initially uncontroversial, but his popularity peaked in April 2020 when the crisis hit. His former Conservative Party opponent Jeremy Hunt accused him of lacking integrity, competence, and vision. After the publication of the Sue Gray report, a confidence vote in his leadership was won, but 41% of Conservative MPs voted against him. Johnson refused to resign, and a series of ministerial resignations in early July 2022 led to a decline in his popular support. By the time Johnson resigned, 46 ministers had quit, demonstrating that even a PM with a large majority can be brought down by the cabinet.

PM and the executive Flashcards

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