How Prime Ministers Get Their Own Way

TONY BLAIR now operates the most centralised system of government of any modern Prime Minister, according to veteran Whitehall watchers.

He has even emulated Margaret Thatcher, whom he has consulted on how to run a government. Like Mr Blair, she preferred decisions to be taken by small groups rather than at the weekly meeting of the 22-strong Cabinet.

Baroness Thatcher signalled her intention to by-pass the traditional machinery before she entered Downing Street, saying: "I couldn't waste time having any internal arguments." Like her, Mr Blair wants key decisions to be taken by true believers, the type of person she called "one of us".

After a backlash against Lady Thatcher's dictatorial style, John Major adopted a more consensual style of government. Cabinet meetings became longer.

However, Mr Major became frustrated with the competing Whitehall empires and belatedly appointed Michael Heseltine as Deputy Prime Minister to impose central control.

In opposition, Mr Blair toyed with the idea of setting up a Prime Minister's Department to ensure his writ would run throughout Whitehall. Although he rejected the idea, he has expanded Downing Street and the Cabinet Office to give himself a new department in all but name.

As one minister said: "The two most powerful words in Whitehall are `Tony wants'."

Cabinet meetings often last less than an hour, and are reporting back rather than making decisions. The crucial decisions are taken by Mr Blair and the minister concerned, often as he sits on his settee in his office next to the Cabinet Room.

Middle ranking ministers called to a "bonding session" yesterday were told by Mr Blair to keep their eyes fixed on the "big picture" and to avoid concentrating too much on their portfolios.

Mr Blair remains frustrated that, for all his calls for "joined-up government," Whitehall departments jealously guard their own turf.

But ministers complain of too much interference by the Downing Street policy unit. "What we need is more joined-up government inside Number 10," one said.