Articles tagged with: Tony Blair
One year on: the perm sec state of play
04 Jul HR
One year on: the perm sec state of play
How has the leadership at the top of the civil service changed since Labour came to power and how does this compare to previous changes following an election?
Civil service headcount hits 19-year high
11 Jun HR
Civil service headcount hits 19-year high
Uplift of 2,000 staff returns FTE numbers to level not seen since 2006
Delivery driver: What can we learn from the diaries of Sir Michael Barber?
28 Mar Operational Delivery
Delivery driver: What can we learn from the diaries of Sir Michael Barber?
A book that draws on the diaries of Sir Michael Barber, head of Tony Blair’s Delivery Unit, feels relevant and timely. Suzannah Brecknell speaks to author Michelle Clement to find out more
Ex-cabinet minister recounts ‘damaging’ Treasury exceptionalism
21 Feb Finance
Ex-cabinet minister recounts ‘damaging’ Treasury exceptionalism
John Denham describes department as “a law unto itself” that would do destructive things to other parts of government without consultation
Starmer's revisions to the ministerial code could have been a lot worse
18 Nov 2024 Politics & Constitution
Starmer's revisions to the ministerial code could have been a lot worse
Ministers may, however, grow to regret the changes
Special delivery: How has government’s approach to implementation evolved?
17 Oct 2024 Operational Delivery
Special delivery: How has government’s approach to implementation evolved?
As CSW was launched in 2004, Tony Blair’s Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit was hitting its stride. Jim Dunton looks at how the centre of government’s approach to implementation has evolved
No.10 lacks policy experience, ex-cab sec warns
10 Oct 2024 HR
No.10 lacks policy experience, ex-cab sec warns
"There is a need for No.10 to have a lot more policy heavyweights" Gus O'Donnell says
Starmer appoints delivery guru Michael Barber for 'missions' drive
13 Sep 2024 HR
Starmer appoints delivery guru Michael Barber for 'missions' drive
Mastermind of Blair-era Prime Minister's Delivery Unit will serve as unpaid "adviser on effective delivery"
Blair pushes potential for AI to reduce public sector workforce costs
09 Jul 2024 Digital, Data & Technology
Blair pushes potential for AI to reduce public sector workforce costs
But move would cost 1.15m jobs over the course of two parliaments, paper reveals
IfG rejects claims a Labour 'supermajority' would be dangerous
20 Jun 2024 Policy
IfG rejects claims a Labour 'supermajority' would be dangerous
Think tank argues that any government's attitude to scrutiny is more important than majority size
I worked for Blair's Delivery Unit – trust me that the next government needs a new approach to reform
06 Jun 2024 Operational Delivery
I worked for Blair's Delivery Unit – trust me that the next government needs a new approach to reform
Top-down targets simply don’t release the creativity and compassion in our public servants that all of us are going to depend on, writes a former perm sec
'Spads were often a problem to be overcome': Former ministers on working with No.10
31 Aug 2023 Policy
'Spads were often a problem to be overcome': Former ministers on working with No.10
Every minister wants to have the ear of the prime minister – but getting close to "the centre" is no simple feat
Johnson was ‘worst PM I ever worked with’, ex-Foreign Office chief says
10 Nov 2022 HR
Johnson was ‘worst PM I ever worked with’, ex-Foreign Office chief says
Simon McDonald criticises “charismatic and chaotic” approach, but acknowledges ousted premier had time for his staff
Spending reviews: a short history
27 Oct 2021 Economy
Spending reviews: a short history
As chancellor Rishi Sunak sets out his latest spending review, Colin Talbot digs into the history of this deceptively simple fiscal event
Book review: Robin Butler - At the Heart of Power From Heath to Blair
07 Jul 2017 Leadership
Book review: Robin Butler - At the Heart of Power From Heath to Blair

Robin Butler was at the heart of some of No. 10’s greatest crises. But Sue Cameron says a new biography doesn’t always capture the drama