The minister is responsible for the work and policies of the Cabinet Office, and since February 2022, reports to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

This practice ended when Dominic Raab was appointed as First Secretary of State on 24 July 2019, by Boris Johnson.

The Cabinet Office has a primary responsibility to support the work of the Prime Minister and ensure the effective running of government.

By virtue of his responsibilities and as First Secretary of State, he was considered the de facto Deputy Prime Minister.

The most recent responsibilities are: Every occupant of the position has simultaneously held a sinecure office, this being Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster from Clark to Byrne, Paymaster General from Jowell to Gummer, and First Secretary of State with Green.