Wiktionary
n. The (often informal) inner circle within a cabinet (which may itself by an official inner circle within a government or council of ministers) which includes only the ministers (or secretaries of state etc.) who are closest to the executive head of state, prime minister or equivalent (notably presiding) officer
Usage examples of "inner cabinet".
Antony Thornton was, at that moment, reporting personally to the Prime Minister and his Inner Cabinet, assuring them in soothing tones that all was well in Epping Forest, and the situation was under complete control.
Margaret Thatcher had called a strategy conference of her closest advisers and inner cabinet.
I'm going to meet here with my inner cabinet, and the discussions may require privacy.
Glad was I when I at last got her to Thornfield, and saw her safely lodged in that third-storey room, of whose secret inner cabinet she has now for ten years made a wild beast's den -- a goblin's cell.
Glad was I when I at last got her to Thornfield, and saw her safely lodged in that third-story room, of whose secret inner cabinet she has now for ten years made a wild beast's den—.