The Prime Minister & Cabinet (Edexcel A Level Politics): Revision Note

What is the Cabinet?

• The Cabinet is a committee of senior ministers, usually around 20–25, chaired by the Prime Minister

• It is the central decision-making body of the UK executive

  • Cabinet ministers are collectively responsible for government policy and are typically the heads of major government departments

The role of the Cabinet

• Discussing and agreeing major government policy

• Coordinating the work of different government departments

• Resolving disputes between ministers

• Providing political legitimacy for executive decisions

• Acting as a forum for collective decision-making

The Prime Minister’s role in relation to the Cabinet

• The Prime Minister is the head of the Cabinet and controls its membership and operation.

• The PM:

  • appoints and dismisses Cabinet ministers

  • chairs Cabinet meetings

  • sets the Cabinet agenda

  • determines the structure and membership of Cabinet committees

Factors affecting the Prime Minister’s choice of Cabinet Ministers

• As head of the Cabinet, the Prime Minister uses cabinet appointments strategically to balance political authority, party unity and effective government

1. Loyalty to the Prime Minister

• PMs often reward personal loyalty

• Loyal ministers are less likely to challenge the PM publicly or in Cabinet

Examples

• Rishi Sunak appointed Jeremy Hunt as Chancellor (2022) as a stabilising and loyal figure

• Boris Johnson promoted Priti Patel and Dominic Raab (2019) due to their loyalty during the Brexit debates

2. Balancing party factions

• Cabinets often reflect different ideological strands within the governing party

• Balancing factions helps prevent rebellions and leadership challenges

Examples

• David Cameron appointed Eurosceptic Iain Duncan Smith alongside pro-EU figures such as Philip Hammond

• Keir Starmer appointed both soft left ministers like Angela Rayner and centrists like Rachel Reeves

3. Ministerial experience and competence

• PMs select ministers capable of running complex departments

• Experience increases credibility and effectiveness

Example

• Starmer’s 2024 Cabinet emphasised experience, including Yvette Cooper’s appointment to the Home Office

4. Public image and media handling

• High-profile departments require ministers able to withstand media pressure

Example

• Wes Streeting was appointed to Health in 2024 partly due to his communication skills

5. Representational diversity

• PMs aim to make cabinets appear representative in terms of gender, ethnicity and background

Example

• The appointment of Heidi Alexander to the Transport Department in 2024 meant the Cabinet was entirely state-school educated for the first time

The relationship between the Prime Minister and the Cabinet

• The balance of power between the Prime Minister and Cabinet varies depending on political circumstances and leadership style

Prime Ministerial leadership style

• Some PMs adopt a collective style, relying on Cabinet discussion

• Others adopt a more presidential style, relying on informal decision-making

Examples

• Tony Blair used sofa government and informal meetings rather than full Cabinet discussion

• The Coalition government relied on The Quad rather than the full Cabinet

• Boris Johnson relied heavily on advisers such as Dominic Cummings, causing tension with senior ministers

Party unity and parliamentary majority

• A united party and large majority strengthens PM dominance

• Division or minority status increases Cabinet influence

Examples

• John Major’s divided government reduced his authority

• Boris Johnson’s 80-seat majority (2019) strengthened his control

• Despite a large majority in 2024, Keir Starmer faced early Cabinet tensions

External crises

• Crises can:

  • increase Cabinet coordination

  • or centralise power around the Prime Minister

Examples

• Covid-19 initially strengthened Cabinet coordination through COBRA

  • Later stages caused divisions, including disagreements between Sunak and Gove

• Liz Truss’s mini-budget crisis (2022) led to Cabinet breakdown and loss of authority

Is the Cabinet significant?