UK GOV- PM CABINET 3.2.1 Introduction to the Cabinet

Question 1

What is the purpose of COBRA meetings?

Answer 1

To coordinate key decisions in the event of a major incident

COBRA meetings typically include the PM, relevant senior ministers, and government officials.

Question 2

How many COBRA meetings were held in 2020 regarding COVID-19?

Answer 2

20 meetings

Question 3

What was a notable absence of PM Boris Johnson during the COVID-19 COBRA meetings?

Answer 3

He missed the first 5 COBRA meetings

Question 4

How long would cabinet meetings typically take under Major?

Answer 4

Three hours over a whole morning each week

Question 5

What was prioritized under Cameron’s cabinet meetings?

Answer 5

Media management

Question 6

How many departures from Theresa May’s Cabinet occurred after forming a minority government in 2017?

Answer 6

16 departures

Question 7

What significant position did Theresa May resign from?

Answer 7

Post of PM

Question 8

What was the origin of the Truss minibudget policy?

Answer 8

Ideas drafted by right wing think tanks based in 55 Tufton Street

Question 9

What advice did the Treasury and Cabinet Office provide regarding the Truss minibudget?

Answer 9

They advised against the policy

Question 10

Who decided to hand control of interest rates to the Bank of England in 1997?

Answer 10

Blair and Brown

Question 11

What informal consultation method did Blair use outside of formal government structures?

Answer 11

Sofa governments

Question 12

What action did PM Rishi Sunak take after controversial comments made by Suella Braverman in 2023?

Answer 12

He shuffled her out of the cabinet

Question 13

Who did Liz Truss appoint as Chancellor?

Answer 13

Kwasi Kwarteng

Question 14

What was the title of the pamphlet that Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng contributed to?

Answer 14

Britannia Unchained

Question 15

What was unique about Theresa May’s cabinet appointments regarding Brexit supporters?

Answer 15

She included prominent supporters of Brexit

Question 16

What percentage of Boris Johnson’s 2019 cabinet were women?

Answer 16

25%

Question 17

What condition did Gordon Brown have regarding his role as Chancellor in 1997?

Answer 17

Blair could not move Brown out of the position against his wishes

Question 18

How many members of Keir Starmer’s Cabinet appointments have previous ministerial experience?

Answer 18

8 members

Question 19

Who were two notable figures with previous ministerial experience in Keir Starmer’s Cabinet?

Answer 19

Yvette Cooper and Ed Miliband

Question 20

What is the Cabinet?

Answer 20

The Cabinet is the senior decision making body of government.

It is described as the ultimate arbiter of all government policy, with decisions made at cabinet level binding on all members of the government.

Question 21

How often does the Cabinet meet?

Answer 21

The Cabinet meets once a week, normally on a Tuesday morning.

Emergency meetings may be called at the Prime Minister’s discretion.

Question 22

Are Cabinet meetings public or private?

Answer 22

Cabinet meetings are secret.

The agenda and minutes are approved by the Prime Minister.

Question 23

What is the typical decision-making process in Cabinet meetings?

Answer 23

The Cabinet typically does not vote on issues; instead, the PM seeks a general consensus.

Public dissent typically requires resignation from the Cabinet.

Question 24

What is an example of a Cabinet Committee?

Answer 24

The National Security Council.

It contains three subcommittees covering nuclear, Ukraine, and resilience.

Question 25

What are four roles played by the Cabinet?

Answer 25

* Offer collective wisdom in emergencies * Set and coordinate government policy * Reach a consensus on policy * Legitimise decisions made elsewhere ## Footnote Additionally, the Cabinet determines the government’s agenda in parliament.

Question 26

What power does the Prime Minister have over the Cabinet?

Answer 26

The PM can pick, dismiss, and reshuffle their cabinet at will. ## Footnote This is due to the PM's powers of patronage.

Question 27

What considerations does a PM need to take into account when selecting Cabinet members?

Answer 27

* Ability and experience * PM's own authority * Rewarding loyalty and placating rivals * Balancing factional interests * Meeting expectations of diversity ## Footnote These considerations are essential even in a single-party government.

Question 28

What percentage of Starmer’s Cabinet is educated at comprehensive schools?

Answer 28

92% ## Footnote This is an increase from 71% under Sunak's Cabinet.

Question 29

What is the gender composition of Starmer's Cabinet?

Answer 29

46% of Starmer’s Cabinet are women. ## Footnote This reflects a significant commitment to diversity.

Question 30

True or False: Public dissent among Cabinet members is generally accepted.

Answer 30

False. ## Footnote Public dissent typically requires resignation from the Cabinet.

Question 31

Fill in the blank: The Cabinet is described as a '______ which joins, a buckle which fastens' the executive to the legislature.

Answer 31

hyphen

Question 32

What does Jeremy Hunt suggest about the way different Cabinets work?

Answer 32

This reflects the varying dynamics and influence of Cabinets over time. ## Footnote Recent cabinet activities may indicate whether the Cabinet is growing or declining in influence.

Question 33

List three ways in which a PM may undermine the influence of the Cabinet.

Answer 33

* Centralization of decision-making * Use of informal meetings * Bypassing Cabinet for decisions ## Footnote These tactics can limit the collective power of the Cabinet.

Question 34

Name two reasons why the Cabinet may still be considered influential in the executive.

Answer 34

* Provides legitimacy to decisions * Offers a platform for collective decision-making ## Footnote Despite limitations, the Cabinet plays a vital role in governance.