Whether you are an admirer of Johnson or a staunch critic, the recent cabinet reshuffle is probably not something that will have left you indifferent. But what exactly is a cabinet reshuffle and why do prime ministers change the composition of their cabinets?
The term ‘cabinet reshuffle’ refers to a shift in the mix of ministerial roles and responsibilities, often with new additions. It is most common in parliamentary systems, although it does occasionally happen in presidential systems (where the head of government is also the president).
A primary reason for cabinet reshuffles is performance management. Removing under-performing ministers or promoting high-performing ones is one way of managing government performance, but it can also be used to signal policy shifts (for example by adding new departmental portfolios).
Another key reason for reshuffles is a desire to manage party divisions. Sending a critical rival to the backbenches frees them from collective cabinet responsibility, and allows them to openly criticise the government.
But excessive reshuffles can be damaging to government effectiveness. For example, frequent turnover makes it difficult for ministers to develop expertise in their departments. This may lead to an over-reliance on guidance from civil servants, and can damage the credibility of a minister’s decisions. It can also give the impression that the government is unstable to voters, party donors and parliamentarians. Moreover, it is harder to hold ministers accountable for policies they have overseen when they have moved between posts.