1. What factors does a Prime Minister take into account when appointing
The cabinet is at the apex of machinery of government as the central
controlling body of the executive. It has a dual purpose - it is both
administrative and a political unit brining together policy formulation and
policy implementation at the highest level. As the cabinet is comprised of
between 20 and 24 senior ministers, who are selected by the Prime Minister,
it is imperative that when appointing his cabinet, his decision is governed by
political and administrative considerations. Politically the heads of the main
spending departments will be included as they contribute to and implement
government policy as it effects their own area. Theoretically a Prime Minister
will also balance the Cabinet to ensure all shades of party opinion have an
outlet at the highest level. In practice, both Margaret Thatcher after 1983 and
John Major from 1995 tended to balance their cabinets to the right and center
respectively. Tony Blair's first New Labour Cabinet of 1997 included a
balance of new and old left, but after his second election victory in 2001 he
gave the impression that he was less concerned with driving forward
government policy with a Cabinet of loyal Blairites. Therefore a Prime
Minister must take political considerations into account i.e. he must include
the leading members of the party e.g. the chancellor, as the economic
dominion is frequently inclusive in much of the policy decision making
process. Loyalty and therefore close allies of the Prime Minister are likely
candidates of the cabinet as the Prime Minister must seem invariably 'on
message' and in agreement with decisions, views and policy in order to
maintain collective responsibility and a defiant public image. Inclusion of
opposing ministers is also considered as in cabinet they are unable to
...