Analysis of Gordon Browns Leadership

Analysis of Gordon brownnesss LeadershipGordon cook with his organization of all the talents and his promise to get wind nonifys he prefers a locker stool of G everyplacenment over flower lookial governance.What has been his record to date in exercising his prime ministerial world-beaters? Illustrate with reference to the practice of the past three immemorial Ministers and purpose whether it is a positive or negative development.IntroductionUpon becoming vizor Minister in June 2007, Gordon cook gave beefed-up indications that he would veer the political culture in Britain. Among those promises, he pledged to govern with a government of all the talents, acquireking consultation and advice from knocked extinct(p)side the traditional excavate ships company sources. (BBC, 2007) Since hence, the bill Minister has also stated his preference for a much(prenominal)(prenominal) than cabinet form of political relation as opposed to a steady aboriginal Minister ial giving medication common in the Blair and Thatcher periods. (Rentoul, p552) Does Gordon chocolate-browns record show a preference for consultation, has sevens been given to a greater extent power in the running of administration or has Gordon embrown reverted to the brawny autocratic ardour of askership that he was often acc subroutined of during his beat as Chancellor?This essay go forth examine Gordon brownishs short reign as anthesis Minister, body-building closely at his use of Prime Ministerial powers in Government. The work will research the extent to which the present Labour footlocker has strong influence over decisions and policies, and whether Gordon Brown has strengthened Parliament by transferring rough of the traditional Prime Ministerial powers to the legislature. In order to judge Gordon Browns record, it is requisite to compare the actions and records of the previous three UK Prime Ministers, Tony Blair, John study and Margaret Thatcher. each Prime Minister differed in their use of Prime Ministerial powers, influenced by the political situation and their own entitle and personality. By giving strong examples of cabinet or Prime Ministerial Government we may emend lowstand their meaning, as well as better judging Gordon Browns record and name of Government. Finally we shall attempt to conclude whether Gordon Brown has brought intimately a more(prenominal) console table form of Government, and if so, judge if this has been a positive or negative development for Government and the Country.Chapter OneIn Gordon Browns first address to the House of Commons as Prime Minister, he indicated that his Premiership was angiotensin converting enzyme that would increase the power of Parliament in such(prenominal) vital areas as declaring war, signing Inter subject field treaties and approving universe appointments. This was part of his plan to devolve power, which included proposals to start de-centralising power crossways th e UK, allowing UK citizens and councils more influence in Government. The Prime Minister has in many a(prenominal) an(prenominal) ways delivered on rough of his promises to rule with a government of all the talents appointing Labour remoters such as Sir Digby Jones and setting up the National economical Council. (Bagehot, 2008) These actions however, do non necessarily mean that Gordon Brown has brought in a new period of cabinet Government however. Cabinet Government refers to the UK Prime Minister ruling in conjunction with his or her Cabinet, sharing side and power except remaining first among equals. Prime Ministerial Government refers to the Prime Minister dominating the executive, making all the study insurance decisions without always consulting with or fetching the advice of the Cabinet. (Jones, 2005, p.27) Does Gordon Browns record suggest that he rules in co-operation with his Cabinet or does he require the major decisions without their contribution?The first few months of the Brown era were a intercourse success for the Government. The trade of leader helped Labour recover public support, and Gordon Brown gave a successful image as a strong and experient leader. Policies were put forward to restore Cabinet Government, the society was united and the PM appears to view as consulted the Cabinet whilst remaining firmly in control. This was a change from the Blair period of Government, in which a strong Prime Ministerial form of Leadership existed, with outside unelected advisors exercising more power and influence on the PM than the elected Cabinet members. (Rentoul, 2001, p.536) Although the strong leadership of Blair and the unity of the party had been in many ways responsible for their electoral success, Blairs modify of Cabinet power and autocratic leadership led Britain into an un habitual and, for the Labour parties favouriteity, disastrous war in Iraq.Gordon Brown entered office with the promise of restoring Cabinets importanc e, and fall the influence of outsiders such as Alistair Campbell, who during the Blair long judgment of conviction appeared to be the real legate Leader, sort of than the elected John Prescott. (Stephens, 2004, p.180) Brown then, seemed to be promoting a style of Government personified by John Major. During Majors time as PM Cabinet meetings were transformed from meetings where Mrs Thatcher would inform the cabinet of her policies and demand obedience into authenticated forums for debate and deliberation. Important issues were discussed, free debate was encouraged and arguments were common. This was extremely popular within Government, as suggested in Dick Leonards A carbon of Premiers. Major has restored Cabinet Government (Leonard, 2005, p.333)In the first few months, Gordon Brown did success richly lead in a Cabinet style of Government. The aftermath and chemical reaction to several failed terrorist attacks were handled by Cabinet figures such as Jacqui Smith, who liaised with the public and the Moslem Community. In both the crisis with Northern Rock and the flooding in agricultural areas Brown employed the full talents of his Ministers rather than attempting to micromanage every situation. (Freedland, 2007) Brown was popular with both the party and the public it seemed that the return of Cabinet Government was good for the Government and the Nation.In many ways Major and Brown inherited the Leadership under standardised situations. Neither man had the commanding parliamentary majority of Thatcher or Blair at their peak, and had to by necessity rely more on the support of their Cabinet. (Foley, 2002, p.33) Like Major, Brown has also had to deal with a resurgent face-off which for the first time in years appears to be ahead in the polls. This led to Browns first major crisis in September and October 2007 Brown hinted that he would call an election to fully legitimise his Leadership, as he did not face a leadership election to become Prime Minist er. as yet Brown decided not to go ahead with an election, with many suggesting that he was worried by the Tories lead in the opinion polls. (Robinson, 2007) From this point on Brown became steadily little popular with the Country and the party, as subsequent crises and Browns apparent lack of personal appeal and leadership chipping away at support for the Government.Despite this however, many would suggest that this has not caused Gordon Brown to abandon Cabinet Government. On the contrary, Gordon Brown has continued to consult and debate with his Cabinet on the major issues, allowing such figures as David Milliband and Jacqui Smith to emerge as possible future leaders of the Labour Party. Although Gordon Brown has consulted with many outside forces and attempted to build a more consensual form of British politics, even offering paddy field Ashdown a position in Government, (Woodward, 2007) this has not led to the marginalisation of the Cabinet. Margaret Thatchers preference fo r unelected advisors, such as Sir Alan Walters, over Cabinet Members helped bring about her downfall, making her believe she was infallible and isolating potentially loyal Ministers, as suggested by Leonard. She acted as a virtual dictator, reducing the role of the Cabinet to that of a supporters club. (Leonard, 2005, p.313) It did however, give Thatcher the image of a strong Leader, one that could make important decisions decisively without having to consult or procrastinate. Unfortunately some of the decisions she made without consulting the Cabinet, such as the poll tax were disastrous for her and the Tory Party.Tony Blair did not marginalise or reduce his Cabinet to such a small level however he did, as we have mentioned, surround himself with an privileged circle of advisors, many of them outsiders like Alistair Campbell, and relied more heavily on their advice than that of his Cabinet. His style of leadership was also similar to Thatchers in that he time-tested to dominate and manage every important situation, with the notable exception of those issues that came under his Chancellors office. (Rentoul, 2001, p.249) Although the most successful Labour leader in history, Blairs decisions and style of leadership were ultimately responsible for his clearly begrudging resignation. Despite following a more Cabinet orientated approach to Government, Gordon Brown has found that this does not necessarily guarantee loyalty during difficult times. There have been far-flung rumours about a possible leadership scrap, with many Labour mononuclear phagocyte system talking to the pressure sensation about their desire to see Gordon Brown tint down. By giving his Cabinet power and responsibility Gordon Brown has allowed some of the bigger personalities, such as Milliband, to grow in status, so much so that many Labour MPs considered him a possible replacement.Chapter iiIn our previous chapter we presented the argument that Gordon Brown has brought back a more Cabin et orientated form of Government. In Chapter two we will look at ways in which Gordon Brown has in fact maintained a Prime Ministerial form of Leadership, along with the negative consequences this has brought about. We will also attempt to evaluate Gordon Browns record, and come to a conclusion whether it has been a positive or negative development in relation to the three previous Prime Ministers reigns.At the beginning of Browns premiership, the Prime Minister made pledges to bring about more Parliamentary powers and increase executive accountability, a clear reference to Tony Blairs decision to launch an unpopular war. (Stephens, 2005, p239) However so far, these pledges have remained in the formation stage. The Premier keep mum retains ultimate authority on issues of national security, international treaties and appointments. Perhaps in the future these pledges will be passed in Parliament, however till that day the Prime Minister will retain a large degree of executive contr ol. Since Brown has been in office little command actually transferring power away from the Executive has passed by means of Parliament.In many respects Brown has pushed finished his own agenda, bypassing the reservations or objections of his Cabinet, as well as ruthlessly disposing of any Ministers that have dared to challenge his authority. (Bagehot, 2008) The ten pence tax rate cut was widely criticised by the media and opposition, and last forced the Government to backtrack. It was introduced in the 2007 budget by Brown, who insisted on implementing it in spite of the fact that it hit those on low incomes, natural Labour supporters. This adventure was a direct result of Gordon Brown forcing an unpopular policy into universe despite the opposition of many in the Party.Despite the large coat of the Cabinet, the Prime Minister has ensured that those in the top jobs are those with a proven track record for loyally supporting Brown without his years as Chancellor. Those supp orters or suspected supporters of Tony Blair have largely been marginalised, not allowed rough the more important Ministerial positions. Those Ministers who have resisted his policies or have speak for the need of a new leader have been dropped for more loyal, submissive personnel. (Helm, 2008)) In the most important world of influence, the economy, the Chancellor Alistair Darling appears to go with far less independence and power than Brown did under Blair, and so although we may say that Tony Blair operated a Presidential style of Leadership, he went out of his way to appease his Chancellor. Gordon Brown does not have any figure powerful or independent enough to build a sphere of influence within Government as Brown did previously. (Leonard, 2005, p355-358) Regardless of the press and several Labour MPs promotion of David Milliband, Brown remains without catch in terms of gravitas, influence and experience within the party.Despite his smaller majority, Brown has also shown that he is able to force unpopular legislation through Parliamentary and Cabinet opposition, most notably in the pillowcase of the 42 day detention issue. The intense opposition in his Party, with asseverate deals being made to get the bill passed, along with opposition loathing suggests that Gordon Brown was not concerned with giving Parliament new powers cogitate to national security. In relation to Iraq although some British troops have been pulled out of the Country, British troops remain in both Iraq and Afghanistan, over again despite the opposition of many in the party. That there is no opposition in the Cabinet is perhaps testament to the loyalty of those Gordon Brown has chosen, rather than there being complete unity.Developments in the Brown Government overconfident or Negative?In the last Chapter we have demonstrated that the Brown Leadership is not yet a perfect example of Cabinet Government. The Cabinet consists mainly of Brown loyalists, the Prime Minister has fo rced through many unpopular policies and as of yet has failed to deliver the legislation that would make a Cabinet Government a long term possibility. However despite these criticisms Gordon Brown has run a more Cabinet Government than either Tony Blair or Margaret Thatcher. It will be difficult for the Prime Minister to backtrack on legislation that will give more power to Parliament, and he has demonstrated in many of the crises that he is willing to address power and responsibility with the more senior Cabinet members. The large sizing and broad range of the Cabinet also suggests that Brown is less probable to rely on a small clique of outsiders for advice, as did Thatcher and Blair. In recent months Brown has also shown that he is willing to accept Blair loyalists into the Cabinet, as we have seen with the appointment of Peter Mandelson. (Sparrow, 2008)It is the opinion of this essay that despite the dear problems of the Labour Party this has been a positive development. Alth ough there has been limited use of the talents of opposition party personnel, a Government of all the talents has the potential to change the confrontational, winner takes all style of British Politics. In a time of severe economic crisis there is a need to take proceeds of all available talent and ability. History has shown that although a strong Prime Ministerial Government can be initially popular, if the Leader believes it is surplus to consult with their Cabinet then they can make serious errors of judgement. If Margaret Thatcher had listened to her Cabinet perhaps there would have been no poll tax, nor would relations with europium be so damaged by Thatchers strident anti European speeches. (Riddell, 1991, pp.184-187)Ultimately though, a more Cabinet form of Government means a more democratic, accountable Government, one that is more promising to grant Parliament a greater role in the more important aspects of Government. A larger Cabinet made up of representatives from a cross the board is also more representative of the nation itself. If ideas and policies can be discussed, deliberated and argued out by a professional, representative and broad Cabinet then perhaps there will be less chance of the Government enacting policies that are popular and logical only to the Prime Minister and a close circle of unrepresentative outsiders.ConclusionThis essay has demonstrated that since taking office Gordon Brown has led a Cabinet Government similar to that of John Major, rather than the more Prime Ministerial approach of both Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair. The essay has also shown that Browns leadership style does still contain elements of the Prime Ministerial form of Government, especially in regards to forcing through unpopular pet projects originating from when Brown was Chancellor. However, despite his reputation as a Stalinist leader Brown has shown surprising flexibility, an ability to consult with those outside the traditional Labour party sphere as well as demonstrating trust in the more senior members of his Cabinet.If Brown remains Prime Minister for the foreseeable future then we are likely to see legislation that will strengthen both Cabinet Government and Parliament itself. In the new economic climate and looming recession these policies might foreshadow a new age of not only Cabinet Government, but a more consensual and cross party form of British Politics. The emergence of a Cabinet Government is undoubtedly then a positive sign for the future.BibliographyFoley, Michael John Major, Tony Blair and a Conflict of leadership clash Course (Manchester University Press, Manchester and New York, 2002)Jones, Bill Politics UK (Harlow, Pearson, Longman, London, 2006)Leonard, Dick A Century of Premiers From Salisbury to Blair (Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke, 2005)Rentoul, John Tony Blair Prime Minister (Time Warner, London, 2001)Riddell, Peter The Thatcher Era and its bequest (Blackwell, Oxford UK and Cambridge USA, 1991)Step hens, Philip Tony Blair The making of a World Leader (Viking, New York, 2004) intelligence activitypapersBagehot Gordon Browns Recovery A War on two Fronts Economist, 9/10/2008, p.27Helm, Toby Left Winger Cruddas in Think Tank challenge Guardian, 12/10/2008Freedland, Jonathan Who is Gordon Brown? The New York Review of Books, Volume 54, Number 16, October 25 2007.Sparrow, Andrew Gordon Brown defends decision to bring Peter Mandelson back into government Guardian, 03/10/2008Woodward, Will Ashdown turns down job in Brown cabinet Guardian, 21/06/2007, p2InternetBrown is UKs New Prime Minister BBC News 27/06/2007, accessed 06/11/2008http//news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6245682.stmRobinson, Nick Brown rules out Autumn Election BBC News 06/10/2007, accessed 06/11/2008http//news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7031749.stm