Who Really Runs the Country?

The question of who truly runs the country and makes critical decisions that cost millions, if not billions, of pounds and affect all of our lives is more complex than it appears. With each change in government, the new roles appointed by the ruling party come under scrutiny. A recent look at the Labour Government's newly appointed cabinet reveals a startling trend: many of the MP's in charge of key departments lack substantial experience in the industries they oversee.

Examining the Appointments

Let's delve into the backgrounds of some key roles within the current Labour Government:

Angela Rayner Position: Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities Background: Angela Rayner brings personal experience as a young single parent, providing her with a unique perspective. However, she lacks professional experience in the housing sector or in managing substantial public funds, having spent most of her career in politics and union work.

Rachel Reeves Position: Chancellor of the Exchequer Background: Rachel Reeves is a former economist at the Bank of England and an author on economic issues, with a strong academic background in economics. Despite her expertise in economic theory, she has never run a business or held a senior business position.

Yvette Cooper Position: Secretary of State for the Home Department Background: Yvette Cooper has a lengthy political career with significant experience in government but has never worked directly within the security services or held roles specifically related to national security.

Ed Miliband Position: Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Background: Ed Miliband has previously served as Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, but he has no direct industry experience in energy or environmental sciences. His background is primarily in politics and public policy.

David Lammy Position: Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs Background: David Lammy has extensive experience in law and politics but has not held positions within international development or foreign affairs in a professional capacity.

Pat McFadden Position: Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Background: Pat McFadden’s role involves managing the Duchy’s properties, yet he has no professional background in property management. His career has been in politics and public service.

Shabana Mahmood Position: Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Background: Shabana Mahmood, a barrister by profession, has legal expertise but no direct experience in prison management or criminal justice reform.

Jonathan Reynolds Position: Secretary of State for Business and Trade and President of the Board of Trade Background: Jonathan Reynolds has never owned or run a business. His experience is largely in politics, with a focus on energy and climate change policy.

Liz Kendall Position: Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Background: Liz Kendall has extensive experience in health policy but has never worked in the private financial sector or held a senior position within it.

John Healey Position: Secretary of State for Defence Background: John Healey has no direct experience in the defence industry or military service. His career has been in politics and housing policy.

Louise Haigh Position: Secretary of State for Transport Background: Louise Haigh has not held a position within the transport industry. Her background is in politics and public service.

Peter Kyle Position: Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Background: Peter Kyle does not hold a science degree; his academic background is in geography, international development, and environmental studies. He lacks direct experience in science-based businesses.

Bridget Phillipson Position: Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities Background: Bridget Phillipson has no experience running a school or holding a senior role within an educational institution. Her career has been in politics.

Lisa Nandy Position: Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Background: Lisa Nandy has worked for several charities but has no direct experience managing businesses within the media, sports, or cultural sectors.

Alan Campbell and Darren Jones Positions: Parliamentary Secretary to the Cabinet (Chief Whip) and Chief Secretary to the Treasury Backgrounds: Both Alan Campbell and Darren Jones have political backgrounds but lack senior roles in finance or banking.

Steve Reed Position: Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Background: Steve Reed does not hold qualifications related to the environment or senior positions within the food industry.

Who Advises These MP's?

Behind these MP's are teams of advisors and civil servants who play crucial roles in decision-making processes. These individuals often have the technical expertise and professional backgrounds necessary to guide ministers. However, these advisors are not elected and are not as visible to the public.

• Special Advisors (SpAds): These are political appointees who provide advice that aligns with the party’s policies. They are typically experts in their fields but are not elected officials.
• Senior Civil Servants: High-ranking civil servants often have extensive experience and qualifications relevant to their departments. They ensure continuity and provide non-partisan expertise.
• Consultants and External Experts: Government departments frequently employ external consultants and experts to advise on specific projects or policies, bringing in specialized knowledge.

The Real Decision-Makers?

While ministers are the public face of decision-making and hold ultimate accountability, much of the actual policy formation and implementation is influenced by these behind-the-scenes advisors and experts. This dynamic raises concerns about transparency and accountability since the public has no direct say in who these advisors are or how they are chosen.

Conclusion

The scrutiny of the Labour Government's new cabinet reveals a pattern of career politicians holding significant positions without direct industry experience. This reliance on political experience over professional expertise in relevant fields highlights a broader issue within the governance structure. While ministers are the visible decision-makers, the true influence often lies with the advisors and civil servants who support them. This underscores the need for greater transparency and perhaps a reevaluation of how key governmental roles are assigned and supported.