Key Highlights
- Sir Chris Wormald steps down as head of the Civil Service after just over a year in office.
- The move is seen following months of negative media reports on his performance.
- Cabinet Office said the decision was by mutual agreement.
- Responsibilities will be shared among three permanent secretaries for an interim period.
Sir Chris Wormald’s Brief Reign
Just 14 hours ago, Sir Chris Wormald announced his resignation as the head of the Civil Service and Cabinet Secretary. This move comes under a cloud after less than a year in office, with Sir Keir Starmer expressing gratitude for “the support he has given me over the past year.” The timing is telling, coming on the heels of months of negative media scrutiny that suggested Downing Street was not entirely satisfied with his leadership.
According to the Cabinet Office, this decision was reached by mutual agreement. However, the timing and context make it clear that internal dissatisfaction played a significant role in Wormald’s departure. His tenure has been marked by a series of controversies and challenges, none more pressing than the “Mandelson scandal,” which saw him take on ultimate responsibility for due diligence checks ahead of Lord Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador.
The Shadow of Controversy
At the time of his appointment in December 2024, Sir Keir Starmer set a bold agenda: “the complete re-wiring of the British state to deliver bold and ambitious long-term reform.” However, as a career civil servant, some questioned whether Wormald was the best person for such a significant task. His experience may have been valuable, but his ability to lead sweeping changes in the Civil Service has now come into question.
His responsibilities will be temporarily shared by Catherine Little (Permanent Secretary at the Cabinet Office), Dame Antonia Romeo (Permanent Secretary at the Home Office), and James Bowler (Permanent Secretary at the Treasury). This arrangement highlights the immediate need for a cohesive transition to maintain stability in what is already a turbulent period.
Repercussions and Reforms
The departure of Sir Chris Wormald is just one aspect of a broader reshuffle within the government. In recent days, both Sir Keir’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and his director of communications Tim Allan have also left their posts. This ongoing turnover raises questions about the effectiveness and stability of Starmer’s leadership team.
Amidst these changes, there is a growing call for stricter vetting processes.
The government has promised to tighten up checks for senior roles, following controversies surrounding Lord Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador and Lord Doyle’s elevation to a peerage despite links to convicted sex offenders. This move underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in future appointments.
For now, Sir Chris Wormald stands down, leaving behind a mixed legacy of both support and criticism. His exit serves as a reminder that even veteran civil servants can face scrutiny and challenges when tasked with significant reforms in an evolving political landscape.
