Ministers
We examine the role that ministers play in the UK government and how they can be most effective.
What is it like being a minister?
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Becoming a minister podcasts
In this six-part series, former ministers and civil servants reveal what it is really like to hold ministerial office and how to do the job well.
Ministers Reflect: What is it really like leading a government department?
This one-day conference discussed what we can learn from the IfG's Ministers Reflect interviews and how ministers can approach the job.
Government ministers
This explainer sets out what are the different types of ministers, how they are appointed and what they do.
Managing as a minister
This guest paper by the University of Southampton reveals patterns in ministerial leadership styles.
Strengthening private office
Strengthening civil service support for ministers is essential to reset the strained relationship between Whitehall and government – and this should begin with reform of ministers' private offices.
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Latest Ministers Reflect interviews
Brandon Lewis
Sir Brandon Lewis discusses the benefit of local government experience, the challenges of the Home Office and his time as Northern Ireland secretary.
Chloe Smith
Chloe Smith talks about serving as constitution minister under three different PMs, her time in the Truss government, and ministerial maternity cover.
Hilary Armstrong
Baroness Armstrong discusses handling contentious legislation, the welfare of MPs and influencing reshuffles.
Patrick McLoughlin
Lord McLoughlin reflects on his long experience of government, how the whips manage parliament and dealing with crises as transport secretary.
Anne Milton
Anne Milton discusses pastoral support for MPs, whipping during the coalition years and working with opposition whips.
Getting things done in government
Twelve key lessons from former ministers on how to be effective in government.
Read the report
The cabinet
Cabinet committees
Cabinet committees are groups of ministers that can “take collective decisions that are binding across government."
Cabinet manual
The cabinet manual is a document which sets out rules and procedures for the operation of government.
Collective responsibility
Collective responsibility is the convention whereby individual members of the government are accountable for the actions and decisions of government.
What support do ministers get?
Becoming prime minister
Conservative MPs who want to become Prime Minister must face the practical challenges of being head of government.
Ministers’ private offices
Every government minister has a private office. This is a small team of civil servants dedicated to supporting ministerial duties and decisions.
Our ministers team
Tim Durrant
Programme Director
Departures of MPs and ministers add to the sense of drift in Sunak’s government
Catherine Haddon
Programme Director
What is a manifesto?
Alice Lilly
Senior Researcher
Ministers in the Lords – their role and scrutiny
Sachin Savur
Researcher
Departures of MPs and ministers add to the sense of drift in Sunak’s government
Nicola Blacklaws
IfG Academy Researcher and Recruitment Manager
Special advisers and the Johnson government
Finn Baker
Research Assistant