The evolving practice of UK Government ministers

Abstract

How can understanding the practice of government ministers help us to understand changes in public administration over time? Interviews with former UK ministers suggest that their practice has changed over the last 25 years. Their executive role has been accentuated as they have come to emphasize the importance of delivery and implementation to policy making. Reasons for that are examined, and consideration is given to how that shift in emphasis affects the ministers–civil servant relationship.