Cicero Policy Briefer

Issue 3, August 2006

Yes, Minister: Is Sir Humphrey running the country?

By Iain Anderson

The public policy debate just in advance of the Parliamentary recess always takes on the frothiness of the start of the silly season—in political terms at least.

However, as we enter the long recess until mid-October, there is a feeling abound that the civil service is firmly in charge of the ship while ministers await the handover of power from the Prime Minister to, most probably, the Chancellor.

Of course the onset of the summer recess is always a time when Parliamentary activity dies away and the responsibility of ensuring that the ship of state continues on apace falls to the home civil service. But this year the 'plates are shifting' inside the Government and the focus of political class—on all sides of the divide—continues to move away from day-to-day decision making and towards the wider electoral goal.

The civil service of course takes firmer control over policy from time to time. Around general elections is the most obvious time, but the current direction around policy leads me to believe Sir Humphrey is firmly in charge of moving policy forward at the moment.

So what does this mean for public policy decision making at the moment?

The process of influencing Government policy right now means that perhaps there needs to be a distinct shift of emphasis towards a more active dialogue with civil servants in order to move issues forward.

How long that will last? I think the best answer lies in the handover of power. But when will that be?

Iain Anderson can be contacted on +44 (0)20 7665 9532 or click here to email.

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