Ways in Which the PM Dominates Cabinet
- Created by: CarolynMc
- Created on: 30-03-15 20:28
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- PM Dominates Cabinet
- Special Advisors
- Not part of Cabinet (sometimes govt.) and still meet the PM regularly
- Set the agenda for govt, write speeches, give policy advice, deal with the Press.
- Important- Trusted more than the Cabinet. Not a threat, not rivals for the top job.
- Unelected people are having serious input into decisions. Side-line the Cabinet, SPADS undermine ministers
- Example-Alistair Campbell, Blair's Press Secretary. Extremely influential, access to Blair at all times.
- Intimidated Cabinet ministers- Cabinet always backed Blair, increased his control.
- Not part of Cabinet (sometimes govt.) and still meet the PM regularly
- Informal Groupings
- Discussions would take place in the PM's office, not Cabinet meetings
- Strengthens the PM's control
- Cabinet ministers rely on a structured organised procedure
- This prevents them discussing and debating certain issues
- Blair used this, provided the chance to make deaks with other ministers and shape policy
- Created 'a grey area,' he could easily dismiss any thoughts-no record of the discussion
- Discussions would take place in the PM's office, not Cabinet meetings
- Appointment of Allies
- Locate like-minded Cabinet ministers to a committee he wants ultimate control of
- PM can always remain in control
- Can manipulate the decisions being made into ones he wants
- David Cameron appointed Stephen Hammond to Transport Secretary
- Untitled
- Locate like-minded Cabinet ministers to a committee he wants ultimate control of
- Structure of Cabinet Meetings
- Agenda setting-PM chooses whats discussed, avoid certain topics. Reduce time-prevent topics being discussed lengthly
- Manipulate the system, block Cabinet's opinion
- Granting PM final say on all matters
- Agenda setting-Blair, Millennium Dome and Afghanistan not discussed
- Reduced time-Blair's Cabinet did not even last an hour, did not meet every week
- Special Advisors
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