ministerial responsibility

• What are the two forms of ministerial responsibility?

  Collective responsibility and individual responsibility
• What is the purpose of ministerial responsibility?

  To ensure the executive is accountable for actions
• What are the key aspects of collective ministerial responsibility?

  • Governing is a collective exercise
  • Ministers must support government policies publicly
  • Resignation expected for public dissent
  • Cabinet meetings are secret
  • Strengthens Prime Minister's authority
  • "Payroll vote" ensures support in Parliament
• What happens if a minister publicly dissents?

  They are expected to resign
• Why are cabinet meetings kept secret?

  To maintain unity and conceal disagreements
• How does collective ministerial responsibility affect the Prime Minister's authority?

  It strengthens the Prime Minister's authority
• What are the pros and cons of collective ministerial responsibility?

  Pros:

  • Creates a strong, united government
  • Clear policy stance for public and media
  • Allows private dissent

  
  

  Cons:

  • Stifles internal debate
  • Limits personal expression of ministers
  • Can lead to instability from resignations
• What are ministers accountable for under individual ministerial responsibility?

  Department's performance and personal conduct
• What should result from serious misconduct by a minister?

  Resignation
• What does the Ministerial Code establish?

  Ethical and professional standards for ministers
• What can Parliament do regarding a minister's resignation?

  Criticize but cannot remove directly
• What trend is observed in ministerial resignations?

  More resignations due to personal conduct
• Who are some notable ministers that resigned or were dismissed?

  • Michael Fallon (2017) - Personal misconduct
  • Priti Patel (2017) - Unauthorized meetings
  • Damien Green (2017) - Misleading statements
  • Gavin Williamson (2019) - National security leak
  • Chris Pincher (2022) - Sexual misconduct
  • Boris Johnson (2022) - Multiple misconduct scandals
• What is the significance of the "payroll vote" in Parliament?

  It ensures ministerial support in divisions
• How has the importance of individual ministerial responsibility changed over time?

  Its importance has declined historically