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When is a minister not a minister? When, one hopes, he’s being an MP!
26th August 2011
The Guardian reported yesterday that David Willetts, the HE minister, had lobbied universities on behalf of several students with ties to his constituency who had received disappointing exam results.
This has caused a bit of a fuss because Willetts is seen as the man responsible for the squeeze on university places. Willetts argues that the fact that he is universities minister should not preclude him from carrying out his constituency duties.
I happen to agree, but it is also worth mentioning as a good starting point for AS government when discussing the difference between backbenchers and frontbenchers. The respective roles of MPs and ministers came up as exam questions a while back and they caught a lot of students out. What makes this story worth special mention this year is that a lot of candidates are looking back at their exams and asking “Where did I go wrong?” Quite often easy marks are lost on these early questions asking students about the basic features and operations that constitute daily British political life. Below I separate out the respective roles of MPs and Ministers, although please note the list is not prescriptive or exhaustive.
MPs perform a number of functions. These sometimes overlap, but can be placed in three broad categories:
According to their parliamentary role, MPs have a number of duties they are expected to carry out in the Commons. These include: voting on legislation; participating in debates; committee work. James Arbuthnot, chaired the Defence Select Committee during its high profile investigation into the armed forces, where it concluded that British troops were overstretched.
MPs are expected to work on behalf of constituents. Kevan Jones, MP for North Durham, writes on his website: “It is my job to represent you in Parliament, regardless of whether you voted for me in the last General Election.” MPs can assist constituents through their work in the chamber, by raising an issue in a debate, asking questions of ministers, or signing an Early Day Motion. MPs can redress grievances by contacting the Ombudsman or acting as a figurehead for concerns by contacting local media.
The mandate model suggests that MPs should support their party wherever possible, by adhering to instructions from the party whips, or acting as ambassadors for their party by promoting it in their constituency. Andy Slaughter, as MP for Hammersmith, for example, publishes a regular newsletter presenting his party, Labour, in a positive light, while often criticising the Conservatives.
The key roles of ministers are outlined below
The most senior ministers will be in charge of an entire department, such as Andrew Lansley at the Department of Health. Junior ministers will be in charge of a more narrow range of policy, such as the Immigration Minister, Damian Green. As such they seek to develop policy and legislation in line with the government’s aims – which is usually outlined in the manifesto at the preceding election. In theory a Minister of State must assume responsibility for everything under their aegis. So if a mistake occurs in their department, ministers are expected to be held accountable.
Accountability is visible when ministers face scrutiny by the legislature. This can either be via appearances before the relevant Departmental Select Committee in the Commons or in Questions to Ministers in either parliamentary chamber. Increasingly ministers face trial by media, where they are expected to tour TV studios defending government mistakes. Under the previous Labour government, for example, all ministers defended the government’s record on issues such as lost data, prison escapes, etc.
Ministers of State have an input into government policy making. They attend weekly Cabinet sessions and can voice opinions on issues beyond their brief. Ministers of all levels also staff Cabinet committees as directed by the Prime Minister.
