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In a swift and surprising move, Sir Chris Wormald has been ousted from his position as head of the Civil Service, just eleven months after his appointment. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed gratitude for Wormald’s contributions over the past year, but the decision—described by the Cabinet Office as “by mutual agreement”—follows persistent media scrutiny and dissatisfaction regarding his performance.
A Brief Tenure
Wormald, who took on the role of cabinet secretary in December 2024, now holds the unfortunate distinction of being the shortest-serving individual in this post. His departure coincides with heightened tensions within the government, as Starmer attempts to regroup following the fallout from the controversial appointment of Lord Mandelson as US ambassador.
The Cabinet Office announced that Wormald’s responsibilities will be temporarily divided among three senior officials: Catherine Little, the permanent secretary at the Cabinet Office; Dame Antonia Romeo, permanent secretary at the Home Office; and James Bowler, the Treasury’s permanent secretary. A permanent successor is expected to be named imminently.
Controversy Surrounding His Departure
The timing of Wormald’s exit has raised eyebrows, particularly given the recent spate of senior personnel changes within the government, including the resignations of Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, and director of communications, Tim Allan. Critics have not been shy in voicing their opinions, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accusing Starmer of throwing Wormald “under the bus” to protect his own position.
The head of the FDA Union, Dave Penman, condemned the treatment of Wormald, labelling it a “new low” in the government’s relationship with the Civil Service. He highlighted the “anonymous briefings” that undermined Wormald’s authority even before he was fully settled into his role.
Prospective Successor: Dame Antonia Romeo
As the government seeks a new cabinet secretary, Dame Antonia Romeo is seen as the frontrunner. If appointed, she would make history as the first female head of the Civil Service, a significant move that could counter claims of a “boys’ club” culture within Downing Street. Romeo was part of the shortlist when Wormald was initially selected, indicating her strong candidacy.
However, her potential appointment has not been without controversy. Lord McDonald, a former head of the Foreign Office, called for a thorough process to fill the position, referring to previous allegations against Romeo regarding her financial conduct during her tenure as consul-general in New York. The Cabinet Office has dismissed these concerns, asserting that all allegations were previously investigated and found to be without merit.
Implications for Civil Service Reform
Wormald’s departure comes at a time when Starmer has pledged ambitious reforms to the Civil Service, aimed at modernising and enhancing its efficacy. His initial confidence in Wormald’s ability to “re-wire the British state” now appears misguided, as the Prime Minister navigates a critical period for his administration.
In light of these developments, Starmer has committed to tightening vetting processes for senior appointments, particularly following controversies surrounding the appointments of Mandelson and Lord Doyle. Badenoch has urged for Wormald to remain in his role until the relevant vetting processes regarding Mandelson are concluded, underscoring the urgency and sensitivity surrounding these leadership transitions.
Why it Matters
The exit of Sir Chris Wormald signifies more than just a personnel change; it reflects the broader instability and challenges facing the current government in Westminster. As Prime Minister Starmer grapples with internal dissent and public scrutiny, the selection of a new cabinet secretary will be pivotal in shaping the future direction of the Civil Service. With calls for accountability and reform echoing through the corridors of power, the stakes have never been higher for Starmer’s administration.
