PM and Cabinet Flashcards
examples of IMR
In July 2022, Conservative whip Chris Pincher was threatened with suspension after drunkenly groping two men in the Charlton Club. He resigned from his government post, prompting the Tamworth by-election. Arguably, Boris Johnson backing his close ally hastened his own resignation as prime minister.
In October 2022, former Home Secretary Suella Braverman resigned after sharing secure information from private email.
In November 2022, former whip and Secretary (during COVID) Williamson, resigned over bullying allegations.
Amber Rudd resigned as Home Secretary after she misled the Home Affairs Select Committee over her department’s targets for deporting illegal immigrants in 2018
examples of CMR
David Davis resign in 2018: In July 2018, David Davis resigned as Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union as May’s decision to pursue closer ties with the EU was a “step too far”, and his role should be filled by someone who was enthusiastic and not just a “reluctant conscript”
Robin Cook resigned in 2003: From Tony Blair’s government over its preparations against war in Iraq, as he was unconvinced Suddam Hussain was a threat to UK national interest
Paul Bristow October 2023: Sacked from government position after calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, breaking collective ministerial responsibility.
13 Govt ministers defied collective ministerial responsibility by disobeying their whips when debating a motion to reject a deal of a no deal brexit
what powers does the PM have over the cabinet
Patronage - e.g. Boris Johnson appointed Dominic Cummings as Chief Advisor in July 2019 due to the same view on the EU (VoteLeave campaign); Margaret Thatcher appointed the ‘dry’ tories because of the difference in political views between the ‘wet’ and ‘dry’; Blair appointed Brown as the Chancellor due to a consensus on policies and power exchange (Blair did not want to step down on 2005 tho, he eventually stepped down as PM anyways)
Reshuffle the cabinet - e.g. Rishi Sunak reshuffled the cabinet in November 2023 and sacked former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who was replaced by James Cleverley and Lord Cameron entered the cabinet to become the Foreign Secretary. Reasons for reshuffle were thought to be Suella Braverman’s the Times article criticising the Police conduct favouring protestors, and the dichotomic view on Rwanda scheme between Sunak and Braverman. Also theorised to be a strategic preemptive move by Rishi, anticipating the SC ruling on Rwanda scheme.
PM may not always use entire cabinet, eg. Blair & sofa cabinet
