New policy organisation for Downing Street

The Guardian has the story, important for our understanding of the developing central importance of the PM's department...

Cameron reorganises structure of policy team along similar lines to Blair
Advisers on key areas to be appointed to focus on government's performance

Article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/dec/23/cameron-reorganise-policy-team

David Cameron is reorganising the Downing Street policy unit along similar lines to Tony Blair's operation, as coalition ministers and officials seek to sharpen the government's performance.

A series of advisers on key policy areas are being appointed, after the prime minister expressed frustration that the post-election structure meant No 10 was failing to keep abreast of thinking in individual government departments...

Cameron made his name as a special adviser at the Treasury and the Home Office in the early 1990s, He demanded a rethink after being irritated when he asked for a detailed briefing on law and order.

The changes will fuel speculation that No 10 wants to impose its writ on Whitehall departments - will Cameron follow Blair in adopting a more centralised ("presidential") control over government policy?