The module is led by Dr Jon Davis, alongside co-teacher & Researcher in Residence at No.10 Downing Street Dr Michelle Clement. Special attention is given to the memoirs and diaries of the prime ministers, cabinet ministers and senior officials involved in managing the central machinery of government, as well as first-hand testimony from a selection of highly-relevant and high profile guests. In previous years classes take place within No. 10 Downing Street itself, and guest speakers have included the Prime Minister’s Principal Private Secretary and Deputy Principal Private Secretary, Lord Hennessy of Nympsfield, former Cabinet Secretary Lord Wilson of Dinton and the authors and journalists John Rentoul and Andrew Gimson.
The three highest scoring essays from this module and the accompanying module ‘The History of the Prime Minister 1979-2019’ will be read by the Cabinet Secretary who will then award the ‘Cabinet Secretary’s prize’. The next seven highest scoring essays will be considered if the Cabinet Secretary’s interest is piqued by the titles. The winner will be invited to discuss the essay with the Cabinet Secretary in Downing St.
