The UK Government

Who is the Prime Minister?

When the results of a General Election are known the Queen invites the leader of the party winning the most seats in the House of Commons to become Prime Minister and to form a Government. The Prime Minister is the leader of the Government and has a home and offices at 10 Downing Street. S/He must be a member of either the House of Commons or the House of Lords. The current Prime Minister is the Rt. Hon. Tony Blair MP.

What is the Government?

The Government is the institution that runs the country. It is also known as the Executive. The Government formulates policy and introduces legislation in Parliament. Members of the Government are usually either members of the House of Commons or House of Lords. This enables Parliament to keep a check on their work by asking questions or debating the issues.

What is the Cabinet?

The most senior members of the Government are known as the Cabinet.

Who chooses the Cabinet?

The members of the Cabinet are chosen by the Prime Minister. The majority of the members are drawn from the House of Commons although there are always a few members from the House of Lords.

Which positions are included in the Cabinet?

The Prime Minister decides which positions will be included in the Cabinet. Heads of Government Departments, known as Secretaries of State, will usually be Cabinet Ministers as well as senior figures such as the Lord Chancellor. There is no limit on the size of the Cabinet but the number of salaried Secretaries of State is limited to 21 by the Ministerial and other Salaries Act 1975.

What are Government Departments?

The work of the Government is divided among Departments which specialise in a particular subject such as Health, Defence and Transport. The number and responsibilities of Government Departments can be changed by the Prime Minister.