What is meant by the term 'sofa government'?

The term 'sofa government' refers to a type of informal decision making within government. Unsuprisingly the name comes from the idea that politicians and their advisors would be sat on sofas discussing potential policy ideas, for example. The term came into use during the Tony Blair years in which he introduced a very relaxed style of government, famously telling his ministers "Call me Tony". Blair preferred to have these informal discussions in smaller groups where he could speak more freely without his discussions being 'minuted' in a more formal cabinet setting.