The deal
Political horse-trading determined the new shape of Whitehall. That could prove ominous
THERE are two theories about how government works: cock-up or conspiracy. Bagehot prefers the former, on the grounds that politicians are too indiscreet and too impatient to conspire successfully. But Tony Blair's reshuffle of his government, tossing aside ministers and departments, looks as though it was a bit of both: a botched conspiracy. This could have serious implications for Labour's second term. If the restructuring of Whitehall was as haphazard, ill-thought-out and driven by personal feuds as it now appears, it is unlikely to work well.
This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline “The deal”
From the June 23rd 2001 edition
Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents
Explore the editionMore from Britain
Has the Royal Navy become too timid?
A new paper examines how its culture has changed
A plan to reorganise local government in England runs into opposition
Turkeys vote against Christmas
David Lammy’s plan to shake up Britain’s Foreign Office
Diplomats will be tasked with growing the economy and cutting migration
Britain’s government has spooked markets and riled businesses
Tax rises were inevitable. Such a shaky start was not
Labour’s credibility trap
Who can believe Rachel Reeves?