The government 2: The other meaning is more limited. It refers only to the most powerful of these politicians. Usually the Prime minister and the other members of the cabinet. There are usually 20 members in this cabinet, while there are no rules. Most of them are the heads of the government departments. Prime minister: David Cameron, 10 Downing street. Primus Interpares – first among equals. The prime minister has the power of patronage (only one. This is the ability to point people to positions and to give honours (titles and shit. He also shuffles in the cabinet as he wants. He also has the power of the public image. Nowadays politics is a matter of personalities. And all ministers except the PM are kept busy looking after their government departments. They have little time to think about government policy as a whole. But the PM does. The Chief whip:the pairing system, who is voting for whom, etc. does a lot of work behind doors. 12 Downing Street Andrew Mitchell Chancellor of the Exchequer is the minister of finance. Takes care of the money, Downing Street 11 George Osborne Home secretary: defence of uk no clue what he does, who he is. Don’t bother asking me. Minister without portfolio: he/she must be prepared to step into any member of the cabinets positions. This is the hardest position. He can be put in any position, mostly given to the best politician. He has to be aware of all the things that’s going on. The permanent secretary is the prime minister’ highest position. Never leaves until retires. They are expected to be neutral in politics. Not meant to have apolitical meaning. The cabinet Once a week, the cabinet meets and takes decisions about new policies, the implementation of existing policies and the running of the various government departments. Because all government members must be seen to agree, exactly who says what at these meetings is closely guarded secret. To help run the complexities of a modern government, there is an organization
