As ministers grapple with the huge challenges of Brexit and the domestic policy agenda, a new report looks at how they can be effective in their jobs. Now more than ever, the country needs effective political leadership, and to understand what that looks like.
A new report analyses more than 70 candid interviews with former ministers to find out what ministers actually do – and how they can do it well.
Published today by the Institute for Government, How to be an Effective Minister draws on interviews with some of the most senior Cabinet members of the last decade, including former Chancellors, Foreign Secretaries and Secretaries of State across all departments. Interviewees including Ken Clarke, Nicky Morgan, Alistair Darling, Oliver Letwin and Jacqui Smith reveal what it’s really like behind the scenes in Whitehall.
Now outside of government, these ministers speak candidly about the successes, mistakes, ambitions and frustrations of office. The report explores:
- the day-to-day reality of ministerial roles and relationships
- how to do the ministerial role well
- what can be done to help ministers be more effective in government.
Nicola Hughes, report author, said:
“Ministers are hugely important to government, yet surprisingly little is understood about what they actually do. The vast majority of the civil service have little contact with their ministerial bosses and the public feel isolated from a political class that is seen as out of touch and elite.
“This report sheds light on the often mysterious world of government ministers. And it explains how these men and women, currently charged with delivering Brexit alongside challenging domestic policy goals and commitments, can be effective.
For more information, please contact Nicole Valentinuzzi on 07850313791.
Notes to editors
- The report can be found on our website or available upon request.
- The Institute for Government (IfG) is an independent think tank working to make government more effective.