Ministers
Acting prime ministers
The UK does not have a formal constitutional role of a deputy or caretaker prime minister who would step in if the PM were unable to perform their job
Special advisers in government
Baroness Simone Finn, John McTernan and Salma Shah joined us to discuss the role of special advisers and how it is changing.
In conversation with Shami Chakrabarti: Coronavirus Bill and emergency powers
The Institute for Government was delighted to welcome Shami Chakrabarti, Shadow Attorney General. She was in conversation with Bronwen Maddox.
Prime Minister and Chancellor: the most important relationship in government
The prime minister and chancellor of the exchequer are the most powerful politicians in the country. When united they can exert immense power.
David Gauke
David Gauke reflects on his time at the Treasury, pushing through reforms to the justice system and rebelling against the government in parliament.
Norman Lamb
Norman Lamb reflects on not being offered a ministerial role after the 2010 general election, coalition politics and mental health care reforms.
The Patel v Rutnam clash shows the limits of the cabinet secretary’s power
The explosion in the Home Office shows the constraints on the management of the top civil service team
Cabinet
The cabinet is the senior decision-making body in government.
Greg Clark
Greg Clark was interviewed on 27 February 2020 for the Institute for Government’s Ministers Reflect project.
Special advisers
Special advisers (SpAds) are political appointees hired to support ministers.