Resignations from Government (Presentation discussion)

I can almost hear Sir Humphrey bemoaning the fact that the minister merely gets in the way of good government.

If anyone hasn't watched Yes Minister before, I would strongly recommend it. It may be over 30-odd years old but it's as relevant today as it ever was. One of the very best sitcoms Britain has ever produced.

Happens in journalism.

Politcal Correspondent? Now you're Business Editor.

I do too. But here in the US they are becoming so common (twice a week almost). Including tonight for the SCOTUS nominee.

Apparently the UK is one of the few countries where cabinet members have to be taken from the pool of elected representatives.


Elsewhere they can just recruit people from outside government who are experts in that field (or in the case of the US at the moment, those who are directly opposed to that field!)

One advantage of that is that they're not having to juggle both their cabinet job and their constituency

There is precident for installing such an expert in the Lords and making them a minister.

Is that some sort of a cross between a Precedent and a President?

You don't have to be an MP though, you can also be a member of the House of Lords (which don't have constituency responsibilities in the same way)

Gordon Brown's 'Government of all the talents' included a number of ministers appointed from the House of Lords (and not necessarily Labour Party members) - I think including cabinet roles.

Lord Adonis as Transport Secretary was one example. He even held Transport Questions in the Lords. Was an interesting watch.

Yesterday's flash

Those Wimbledon players really should wear bigger shorts.

I'll get me coat.