Morgan McSweeney Calls for Reform of UK Prime Ministerial Powers

Morgan McSweeney, the former chief of staff to Keir Starmer, has urged a significant overhaul of the administrative constraints currently limiting the authority of the British Prime Minister. In testimony before the House of Lords constitution committee, McSweeney argued that existing conventions and a complex "thicket of rules" prevent the government from operating with the necessary speed and efficiency to fulfill its promises to the public.

McSweeney, who played a pivotal role in Labour's 2024 election victory before stepping down in February, highlighted the problematic nature of "quasi-judicial" powers granted to cabinet ministers. These powers, which allow ministers to make independent decisions on sensitive issues—such as the approval of oil and gas fields like Rosebank and Jackdaw—often bypass broader cabinet consultation and direct input from the Prime Minister. He noted that such processes not only obstruct government work but also dilute the central leadership's capacity to oversee matters of national importance.

Rethinking the role of Morgan McSweeney and executive power

Beyond specific ministerial powers, the former aide suggested that the cumulative weight of various constitutional conventions has become a burden. He cited an example where Starmer was advised against sending letters to cabinet ministers to set priorities or request progress updates, as such actions were deemed contrary to established practice. McSweeney argued that while some rules are essential to prevent the abuse of power, many others should be reviewed, justified, or codified to ensure they do not hinder the government's lawful mandate.

Reflecting on his time in office, McSweeney admitted that the administration was not sufficiently prepared for the volatility of the global landscape or the logistical challenges of implementing rapid change. He emphasized that the current system is under pressure not merely from potential overreach, but from the failure to deliver the programs for which the government was elected. He proposed that the Prime Minister's powers should be clearly written down, with unnecessary restrictions removed to allow for more effective governance.

Why it matters

This call for reform highlights the tension between traditional constitutional conventions and the modern need for executive agility. For the UK government, these changes could mean a shift toward more centralized decision-making and a reduction in the autonomy of individual cabinet portfolios, potentially accelerating policy implementation at the cost of traditional checks and balances.