Tag Archives: Blair

Plus ça change: Ministers and Civil Servants

Under the energetic direction of the Cabinet Office Minister, Francis Maude, the current government is embarking on significant reform of the civil service. This may then be an appropriate moment to reflect on the experiences of previous Ministers in dealing with the … Continue reading

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They really do work for you: Parliament, MPs and Prime Ministerial neglect

In a series of papers for the right-wing Centre for Policy Studies the Conservative MP, Andrew Tyrie, highlighted the problem of Prime Ministerial neglect of Parliament under Tony Blair, characterising  Parliament as, Mr Blair’s Poodle. The data presented by Tyrie … Continue reading

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The least glamorous job in Parliament?

Spare a thought for the poor Parliamentary Private Secretary, perhaps the least glamorous job in British politics. These unpaid Ministerial aides have all the responsibility of being part of the Government, with none of the power. Their job is to support … 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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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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