Many of these matters can only be made on the basis of imperfect information. The advantage of the elected official making the ultimate decision is one of accountability.
Jacob Rees-Mogg also gives his view on “marvellous” Priti Patel and the role of the civil service. Plus: does he think his Grenfell comment was a mistake?
At the heart of the Rutnam row is its reservations not only about how the post-Brexit journey is being negotiated, but about taking it in the first place.
There will be some bruised personalities on the backbenches who will need careful managing over the next few months, and I hear that Spencer is already on the job.
Let Sunak and Dowden join Jenrick at the top table. And that should be about it. If the Coronavirus takes off, Ministerial changes will be the least of our worries.
We argue that the civil service requires significant reform if it is to rise to the challenges facing our society and maximise the opportunities of Brexit.
Talk of more competition can be naïve if the choice simply amounts to either buying from a national monopoly or making an off-the-shelf purchase from the USA.