why do some ministers resign from government Flashcards
(15 cards)
what are the main reasons for a cabinet minister resigning from government?
- accepting the blame for an error or injustice within their department by civil servants and officials
- unwillingness to accept collective responsibility over policy
- an inability to deliver a policy promise in their own department
- personal misconduct
- political pressure
how did Kwasi Kwarteng’s resignation unfold
- Kwarteng had to do a u-turn on his mini-budget
- kwarteng was forced to resign
- Kwarteng neo-liberal / new right
- Kwarteng was replaced by Jeremy Hunt (One-nation Conservative)
what does Kwarteng’s resignation reveal about individual responsibility
- Kwarteng made a mistake and therefore had to take responsibility for his actions
- sometimes ministers need a reminder that they have made a mistake
what was a specific example of a minister resigning due to Unwillingness to accept collective responsibility
Robin Cook - 2003
what happened with Robin Cook’s resignation in 2003
resigned as leader of the HoC due to his opposition to the Iraq War, publicly disagreed with gov. refusing to uphold collective responsibility
what does Robin Cook reveal about the individual responsibility of ministers
ministers must resign if they can’t support gov. policy, highlighting their individual responsibility to act with integrity and maintain public trust
what was a specific example of a minister resigning due to personal misconduct
Tulip Siddiq - UK City Minister - 2025
What happened with Tulip Siddiq’s resignation
resigned amid allegation’s related to properties tied to her family in Bangladesh - raising concerns over conflicts of interests and reputational risks
what does Tulip Siddiq reveal about the individual responsibility of ministers
ministers are personally accountable for their conduct - must resign if their behaviour risks damaging integrity or public trust
what was a specific example of a minister resigning due to failure to deliver policy in their own department
Amber Rudd - UK Home Secretary - 2018
what happened with Amber Rudd’s resignation
resigned after taking responsibility for the Home Office’s failings to handle Windrush scandal, where legal residents were being wrongly detained and deported
what does Amber Rudd reveal about the individual responsibility of ministers
minister’s are accountable for all aspects of their department, including policy failures
what was a specific example of a minister resigning due to political pressure
Matt Hancock - Health Secretary - 2021
what happened within Matt Hancock’s resignation
resigned amid amounting pressure to maintain government credibility after breaking COVID-19 social distancing rules with an aide
what does Matt Hancock reveal about the individual responsibility of ministers
personally accountable - must uphold public trust
