The PM and Executive EXAMPLES

Examples updated 2/2/24

Examples of the Prime Minister using their power of Patronage

In August 2023, Rishi Sunak appointed Grant Shapps as Secretary of State for Defence after the resignation of Ben Wallace.

In the November 2023 cabinet reshuffle, Rishi Sunak appointed David Cameron as foreign secretary to replace Suella Braverman.

Examples of the Prime Minister organising government

Rishi Sunak had a cabinet reshuffle in August and November of 2023

Examples of the Great Offices of State

Rishi Sunak (Prime Minister)

Jeremy Hunt (Chancellor of the Exchequer)

David Cameron (Foreign Secretary)

James Cleverly (Home Secretary)

Examples of a Minister and a Cabinet Minister

Steve Barclay is the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Rebecca Pow is the Minister for Nature

Example of Special Advisors to the Prime Minister

Liam Booth-Smith and Nerissa Chesterfield

Examples of Prime Ministers appointing their close allies into the Cabinet

After Dominic Raab’s resignation, Rishi Sunak appointed his two allies: Oliver Dowden as Deputy Prime Minister; and Alex Chalk as Justice Secretary

Examples of Prime Ministers appointing ‘Big Beasts’ into the Cabinet

Unlike Liz Truss who put many Big Beasts to the backbenchers, Rishi Sunak has retained ministers such as Nadhim Zahawi and James Cleverly although they were loyal to Truss

Examples of Prime Ministers appointing MPs with exceptional ability

Rishi Sunak appointed Mark Harper as Secretary of State for Transport as a result of his campaigning