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.
- 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
- 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
- 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

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Ways in Which the PM Dominates Cabinet

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