since 2010 the uk has seen a return to cabinet government

Question 1

PM Still Dominates the Political Narrative

Answer 1

Boris Johnson’s “personal mandate” in 2019 gave him huge personal authority.
“Get Brexit Done” was a PM-driven slogan, not a collective cabinet message.

Question 2

PMs Still Control Cabinet Appointments and Agendas (PM Patronage)

Answer 2

Suella Braverman’s Reappointment by Rishi Sunak (2022)

Question 3

Informal Governance Still Exists

Answer 3

Boris Johnson’s decision-making during COVID was heavily influenced by Dominic Cummings, not cabinet consensus.

Question 4

Coalition Government Necessitated Collective Decision-Making (2010–15)

Answer 4

The Lib Dems pushed for electoral reform, resulting in the Alternative Vote referendum(2011) — a policy the Conservatives strongly opposed.

Question 5

Rise in Ministerial Resistance and Cabinet Dissent

Answer 5

: Theresa May’s Cabinet was deeply divided on Brexit, and she had to adapt policy to appease both Leave and Remain factions.

Sajid Javid’s resignation in 2020 over No.10’s control of his advisers is an example of cabinet members pushing back.

Question 6

Frequent Cabinet Changes and PM Weakness

Answer 6

Liz Truss (2022) had a very short premiership after her chancellor’s “mini-budget” collapsed the markets — indicating she couldn’t lead without full cabinet backing.

Short PM tenures (May, Truss) show the need for PMs to work with, not dominate, cabinets.