Individual + Collective Responsibility

Question 1

What is cabinet collective responsibility?

Answer 1

-enables govt speak with one voice on policies + issues + appear united in front of media + public
-doesn’t prevent disagreement behind closed doors but public face is one of agreement
-it’s the image of unity over cabinet decisions
-if cabinet member disagrees publicly they normally have to resign

Question 2

What are the reasons ministers resign from cabinet?

Answer 2

-accepting blame for an error or injustice within their department
-unwillingness accept collective responsibility over a policy
-personal misconduct or political pressure

Question 3

What is an example of accepting blame within govt?

Answer 3

-ministers often blame civil servants of executive agencies for failures
-this absolves ministerial responsibility
-e.g. Gavin Williamson over exams fiasco 2020 remained in post blaming OFQUAL for error + the head Collier resigned

Question 4

What is an example of unwillingness to accept collective responsibility?

Answer 4

-when minister refuses accept policy of the cabinet + has to resign
-e.g. robin cook chief opponent to military action in Iraq + resigned march 2003

Question 5

What is an example of personal misconduct?

Answer 5

-ministerial code sets out qualities e.g. selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness + leadership
-David Blunkett resigned twice from Blair’s govt e.g. first when Home Secretary after fast tracked visa application for nanny who worked for his ex-lover looking after his child

Question 6

What is an example of political pressure?

Answer 6

-occurs over times + forces minister to resign if become embroiled in controversy
-e.g. Andrew Mitchell forced resign 2012 as chief whip over altercation with police officer — swore at them + known as ‘plebgate’
-but not all MPs resign for such reasons + it’s simply difficulty balancing family like with role of MP e.g. resignation Clark 2020

Question 7

How is the executive accountable to parliament - yes?

Answer 7

-PMQ favour style over substance + ministers a avoid difficult questions
-selects committees have little power + an unconvincing performance is no guarantee of dismissal
-party loyalty guaranteed — due to party discipline + desire prevent opponents gaining ground - few on own branch openly criticise executive

Question 8

Is the executive accountable to parliament - no?

Answer 8

-ministers from PM down subject to regular grilling MQs + PMQs — televising of these makes a poor performance have bigger impact
-ministers appear before select committees + must be honest which can be probing in nature
-PM must retain support of party + if this is weak PM position can become untenable e.g. Cool has proved effective undermining + exposing flaws in leader from own party