Convention that ministers publicly support government policy?

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Collective responsibility in government is a convention that requires all ministers to publicly back the government's policy, even if they privately disagree. This creates a single, unified line for the government to present in Parliament and to the public, helping to maintain political stability and accountability. If a minister cannot support the policy in public, the proper expectation is that they resign (or are dismissed) so the cabinet can speak with one voice while they speak for themselves outside the cabinet. The other terms don’t capture this obligation to publicly defend government policy: patronage is about appointments and favors, a reshuffle is simply rearranging ministers, and wield isn’t the name of a policy convention.