Government

The Constitution Unit has long held an interest in the role of the executive in the constitution. Our study of minority and multi-party government overseas led to development of the Cabinet Manual in 2010, which was followed by a study into the early years of the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition. Other projects have focused on ministers from outside parliament, the role of government lawyers, special advisers (which resulted in the production of many resources) and the role of non-executives in Whitehall.

The Constitution Unit's work on government is led by Professor Robert Hazell.

Research

Prerogative Powers

Professor Hazell was part of a SSHRC-funded research project comparing how the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are seeking to regulate prerogative powers. This project's main output was Executive Power: The Prerogative, Past, Present and Future. It ran between 2019 and 2024.

Non-Executive Directors in Whitehall

This project assessed the contribution of non-executive directors in and outside of Whitehall departmental board meetings. It was led by three former civil servants: Alan Cogbill, Hilary Jackson and Howard Webber. It published its report in 2018.

Pre-Appointment Scrutiny Hearings

Many senior public appointments have been subject to scrutiny by parliamentary select committees since 2007. This project examined the impact of these processes, updating earlier Constitution Unit research. It published reports in 2010 and 2017.

Access our archived work on government

Government

Research

Prerogative Powers

Non-Executive Directors in Whitehall

Pre-Appointment Scrutiny Hearings

Government on the blog

What Happens if Boris Johnson loses the confidence of his Cabinet, or his MPs?

What is democratic backsliding and is the UK at risk?

After an unsuccessful legal challenge by All the Citizens and the Good Law Project, where next on WhatsApp use in government?

The 1997 Labour government’s constitutional reform programme: 25 years on

Lord Geidt’s resignation is a fresh reminder of the government’s restrictive approach to scrutiny of its actions

Arguments over the Ministerial Code and the role of the Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests are far from over

What happens if Boris Johnson loses a party confidence vote?

The Belfast/Good Friday agreement’s three strands have not outlived their usefulness

The Constitutional Reform Act 2005 led to greater judicial independence: politicians and parliament must continue to support it

Partygate illustrates the fundamental constitutional responsibility of government MPs

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