Monthly Archives: October 2013

Who really runs Britain?

Interesting article by Owen Jones in The Independent over the weekend, in which the threatened closure of the Grangemouth oil refinery prompts him to question who really runs the country?

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A message from GOD

An interesting speech by former Cabinet Secretary, Gus O’Donnell, (referred to by some in Whitehall as GOD) published in the latest edition of Political Quarterly, generated a certain amount of publicity this week. There were a number of thought provoking ideas … Continue reading

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Some reflections on Prime Ministerial power

Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair were two of the most powerful Prime Ministers of recent times. Both led their parties to three general election victories with substantial majorities, and neither was defeated at the ballot box. Yet both were arguably to some … Continue reading

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Taking their leave – how do Prime Ministers leave office?

While considering the power of the Prime Minister I jotted down this brief list of Prime Ministerial departures since Neville Chamberlain in 1940. It does offer one perspective on where the power lies. While governments always leave office at the … Continue reading

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From The West Wing to Reservoir Dogs: Executive Power under Blair

At times during his time as Prime Minister Tony Blair was criticised for his reliance on a small coterie of political advisors and his apparent sidelining of the Cabinet, to the extent that several commentators observed that Number 10 often … Continue reading

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