McSweeney urges review of ministers’ powers over major decisions

Morgan McSweeney has urged a rethink of ministers’ “quasi-judicial” decision-making powers, arguing they can keep major issues from wider cabinet discussion and prime ministerial input. The former chief of staff also wants the rules and conventions governing prime ministers reviewed, saying some may make it harder for governments to deliver their elected programmes.

He cited decisions such as whether to approve oil and gas fields and a proposed Chinese embassy, which were assigned to individual ministers. McSweeney said rules designed to prevent abuse of power should remain, while others should be justified and assessed for their cumulative effect; he also suggested the prime minister’s powers should be written down. He left Downing Street in February after controversy over Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador.