Ministers
Government departments’ boards and non-executive directors
Every central government department has a board which provides advice to departments’ leaders and challenges them on their performance.
Ministers are responsible for the actions of special advisers – including Dominic Cummings
Special advisers are central to this government. We should know exactly what role they play.
Devolved legislatures: how are they working in the coronavirus lockdown?
During the coronavirus pandemic, the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Senedd and Northern Ireland assembly have all adapted their practices and procedures.
Michael Gove’s new non-executive directors should not become quasi-special advisers
Non-executive directors shouldn’t act as additional ministers or special advisers
Direct ministerial appointments to the House of Lords
If the prime minister wants to appoint a minister who is not a sitting MP or serving peer, they must ennoble them.
Governments need to apply behavioural insights to the way they approach tax reform
Thinking in advance about behavioural responses can ease the path to tax reform
300 years of British prime ministers
As we mark 300 years of British PMs, the Institute for Government was delighted to welcome Sir Anthony Seldon and Professor Tim Bale.
The UK now needs a formal acting prime minister role
Government can function for a while in the prime minister’s absence, but ministers and officials need to know who is in charge
Sam Gyimah
Sam Gyimah reflects on working across two departments, dealing with prison riots and government’s relationship with universities.
Keir Starmer’s first job as Labour leader is to hold the government to account on coronavirus
Becoming leader of the opposition during a national crisis won’t be easy, but it gives Keir Starmer a shortcut to the nation’s attention