The Intelligence from The Economist Another man’s Treasury: Britain’s cabinet upheaval
Feb 14, 2020
Join Anne McElvoy, Senior editor at The Economist with a keen focus on British politics, and Susanna Cahalin, author of 'The Great Pretender', as they unpack the latest cabinet reshuffle in the UK. They explore the power dynamics between Boris Johnson and Sajid Javid, revealing the struggle for control over economic policy. The conversation also dives into the intriguing flaws in psychiatric diagnoses uncovered by David Rosenhan's study and examines the resilience of Berlin's nightlife amid gentrification, spotlighting the city's rich cultural tapestry.
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Episode notes
Javid's Resignation
- Sajid Javid's resignation as Chancellor was unexpected during Boris Johnson's cabinet reshuffle.
- He refused to accept the condition of replacing his advisors with those chosen by Johnson and Dominic Cummings.
Erosion of Treasury's Independence
- The Treasury's independence is eroding, as Javid's forced resignation demonstrates a power shift towards Number 10.
- This raises concerns about short-term political goals outweighing long-term fiscal stability.
Power Dynamics
- The episode highlights the significant power dynamics between Boris Johnson and Dominic Cummings.
- Ministers who oppose their vision face significant consequences, emphasizing Cummings' influence.
