While the new political landscape is becoming clearer, there are still more questions than answers when it comes to Theresa May’s new government.
That was the message we heard when we were joined by Chris Ship, ITV News’ Deputy Political Editor for a breakfast roundtable with senior business leaders to look at the priorities of the May government. What does ‘Brexit means Brexit’ actually mean; how successful will the UK’s efforts to forge new global trade relations be; and what will the Prime Minister’s vision of social reform and responsible capitalism look like in reality, beyond education reforms?
But while the answers to these significant policy questions still seem to be elusive, May’s approach to government and her leadership style are already becoming apparent. Chris’ insights reiterated that the first two months of the May government have offered glimpses into how she intends to operates and her political style.
During her time at the Home Office, May’s Special Advisers Fiona Hill and Nick Timothy – now her joint chiefs of staff – were known for their detailed involvement in policy development. Her early weeks in power suggest that this approach is continuing. May and those closest to her are keen to micromanage policy announcements.
As Chris noted, the control from Downing Street over departmental policy announcements has been almost total. From Hinkley Point C to Grammar Schools, all of the major announcements to date clearly have the finger prints of Downing Street all over them.
The question remains how much longer this scrutiny over all policy areas can continue: as the pace of government business increases following party conference it will become less and less possible for each announcement and policy development to be overseen from the centre. While it is natural for Downing Street to want control in the initial weeks to avoid any unexpected consequences, and to manage major announcements throughout her premiership, the sustainability of this approach has to be questioned.
With this central control over departments, it is difficult so far to understand the personal agendas and priorities of individual cabinet members. Beyond manifesto commitments and what can be determined from May’s speeches earlier this summer, in many departments the approach that new ministers will adopt is still unclear. This could change at Conservative Party Conference, where ministers will have to set out their approach and policy priorities.
With the Opposition in such disarray, May’s honeymoon doesn’t look like coming to an end any time soon and the goodwill that the parliamentary party showed her earlier in the summer is still there. Her focus on competence and early announcement of policies popular with many in the party have given her time. But this will only last so long. Eventually when she does come under pressure, it looks likely that the micromanagement of government from the centre could well be one of the accusations thrown at her. Sooner rather than later, ministers in individual departments will have to be given more autonomy and Downing Street advisers will have to step back. Just when this happens remains to be seen.