Executive
To what extent does the premiership of David Cameron show that the Prime Minister has too much
power? [30]
It Does Over Cabinet:
He’s become more presidentialised - PM’s own plane; PM’s Office 190 Special
advisors.
He’s ignored the will of several cabinet members over Europe.
He’s excluded Eurosceptics from European affairs cabinet committee.
Excluded Eurosceptic ministers from viewing EU-related documents from civil
service.
£9mil leaflet just before Purdah rules kick in.
“Bilateral” meetings increased under Cameron.
Settled disputes between May and Gove, acting as superior
29 SPADs (special advisors) - £9million/year in costs
Control over Appointments:
Appointed 47 peers/year - “flooded” the Lords, unmanageable size.
Unfit honours - Lynton Crosby.
Over Parliament:
Launched Strathclyde review over HofL defeating his plans - disproportionate
measure.
It Does Not Over Cabinet:
He’s been constrained by Eurosceptic appointments: had to give Boris Johnson
observer status.
Constrained by resignations - Ian Duncan Smith.
Authority weakened by breaches of Collective Ministerial Responsibility and
criticisms of his conduct and policy from Eurosceptics.
Events:
Squabbling over leadership following the announcement of his future resignation.
Over Parliament:
Tiny majority - 12
18 U-turns, 60 Lords defeats, 3 commons defeats, huge number of rebellions.
Queen’s speech devoid of many promised bills - review of lords, sovereignty law,
British Bill of Rights.
Scrutiny effective - responds to Health committee’s recommendation for sugar
tax; opposition via PMQs.
Significant concessions made to parliaments will on everything - IP Bill.
Certainly not an elective dictatorship!!!
Discuss the importance of collective and individual ministerial responsibility to the UK system of
government. [28]
IMR (individual Important
ministerial People are still held accountable for it - Maria Miller, 2014 (Parliamentary
responsibility) expenses).
Its effect as a deterrent on transgressions may explain the low volume of failings
in recent times most happened a long time ago (Stephen Byers 2002, Edwina
Currie) - drives ministers to be more effective.
To what extent does the premiership of David Cameron show that the Prime Minister has too much
power? [30]
It Does Over Cabinet:
He’s become more presidentialised - PM’s own plane; PM’s Office 190 Special
advisors.
He’s ignored the will of several cabinet members over Europe.
He’s excluded Eurosceptics from European affairs cabinet committee.
Excluded Eurosceptic ministers from viewing EU-related documents from civil
service.
£9mil leaflet just before Purdah rules kick in.
“Bilateral” meetings increased under Cameron.
Settled disputes between May and Gove, acting as superior
29 SPADs (special advisors) - £9million/year in costs
Control over Appointments:
Appointed 47 peers/year - “flooded” the Lords, unmanageable size.
Unfit honours - Lynton Crosby.
Over Parliament:
Launched Strathclyde review over HofL defeating his plans - disproportionate
measure.
It Does Not Over Cabinet:
He’s been constrained by Eurosceptic appointments: had to give Boris Johnson
observer status.
Constrained by resignations - Ian Duncan Smith.
Authority weakened by breaches of Collective Ministerial Responsibility and
criticisms of his conduct and policy from Eurosceptics.
Events:
Squabbling over leadership following the announcement of his future resignation.
Over Parliament:
Tiny majority - 12
18 U-turns, 60 Lords defeats, 3 commons defeats, huge number of rebellions.
Queen’s speech devoid of many promised bills - review of lords, sovereignty law,
British Bill of Rights.
Scrutiny effective - responds to Health committee’s recommendation for sugar
tax; opposition via PMQs.
Significant concessions made to parliaments will on everything - IP Bill.
Certainly not an elective dictatorship!!!
Discuss the importance of collective and individual ministerial responsibility to the UK system of
government. [28]
IMR (individual Important
ministerial People are still held accountable for it - Maria Miller, 2014 (Parliamentary
responsibility) expenses).
Its effect as a deterrent on transgressions may explain the low volume of failings
in recent times most happened a long time ago (Stephen Byers 2002, Edwina
Currie) - drives ministers to be more effective.
