A number of factors determine Cabinet size, while Cabinet size itself affects public spending levels and policy outcomes

As Democratic Audit research has shown, the size of British Cabinet has grown exponentially in recent years. But does this itself have any impact on policy? Indridi H. Indridason presents evidence that it does, particularly in terms of public spending levels, and shows that cabinet size relates more generally to the size of the Government overall. Meanwhile, a number of factors, including political expediency, the growth of Coalition government, and the need to maintain party discipline all influence cabinet size.