Thank you, Martin, for this - an interesting set of perspectives. Though now retired, I think I’ve had an interesting view of the changes from my post in the Civil Service College and its successor organisations - so this provoked many more thoughts than would fit here.
I think it right to look at the relationship between SpAds and Civil Servants and I am pleased to see the point about parallel sources of advice to ministers. I think it important to consider also the impact on cabinet government (are decisions which are proper to the cabinet committee system being made outside it?) and on Parliament (including MPs being able to influence through the Whips Office). Might the discussion also include the effect on the ministers themselves who are not devoid of political nous or status in the party.
Thank you, Martin, for this - an interesting set of perspectives. Though now retired, I think I’ve had an interesting view of the changes from my post in the Civil Service College and its successor organisations - so this provoked many more thoughts than would fit here.
I think it right to look at the relationship between SpAds and Civil Servants and I am pleased to see the point about parallel sources of advice to ministers. I think it important to consider also the impact on cabinet government (are decisions which are proper to the cabinet committee system being made outside it?) and on Parliament (including MPs being able to influence through the Whips Office). Might the discussion also include the effect on the ministers themselves who are not devoid of political nous or status in the party.
I look forward to the next two posts.
Thanks Francis. Much food for thought. And I am pleased you found it interesting. It's sometimes hard for me to know whether and what to write.