Cabinet reshuffles are a feature of many political systems. They can be small – perhaps a single minister moves from one post to another – or they may be big, with significant shifts in who heads departments and even the creation of new ministerial roles. Whether they are masterfully handled or botched, reshuffles are a key element of the executive.
While much has been written about the influence of a prime minister’s ability to dismiss or promote ministers, less attention has been paid to how frequently these reshuffles occur and what impact they have on policy and government. This special collection brings together contributions that explore these issues in a wide range of countries and political contexts, applying a variety of theoretical approaches (from resource-oriented to rational choice institutionalism).
Frequent reshuffles make it harder for ministers to develop expertise about their departments, as well as making it difficult to hold them accountable for the policy they oversee. Excessive ministerial churn can also undermine the credibility of a government by creating the impression that it is in turmoil.
The power to reshuffle is a vital tool for any prime minister, but there are limits. Removing a critical rival from the front bench can backfire, empowering them to criticise the government openly and undermining a prime minister’s authority. Moreover, the frequency of reshuffles can create an impression of instability among the electorate, party donors, and parliamentarians. This is an important point that should be taken into account when deciding how often to reshuffle.