Keir Starmer’s administration is reportedly experiencing growing regret over the appointment of cabinet secretary Chris Wormald, who has held the position for just six months, according to sources in Downing Street and Whitehall speaking to CuriosityNews.
Wormald, previously the top official at the Department of Health and Social Care during the pandemic, was selected by the prime minister from a shortlist of four candidates.
Starmer consulted with senior civil service leaders before making the choice, praising Wormald at the time as someone who offered “extensive experience at a crucial time for the government’s reform agenda.”
However, several sources indicate that some close to Starmer now consider Wormald’s selection as detrimental to efforts to overhaul the civil service, with discussions underway about how to proceed despite his leadership.
One insider described Wormald as ineffective, often expressing concern over issues rather than solving them, and too resistant to change.
A recent report suggested Starmer chose Wormald despite other candidates being viewed more favorably by the panel that compiled the shortlist. A cabinet minister was quoted saying: “If the goal is major government reform, you don’t pick someone from a long line of civil servants.”
The panel reportedly did not rank candidates but identified four qualified individuals suited for the role, each with detailed assessments.
The shortlist also included Antonia Romeo, now the top official at the Home Office, Olly Robbins from the Foreign Office, and Tamara Finkelstein from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
A spokesperson stated: “The appointment followed standard procedures, with a panel presenting qualified candidates for the prime minister’s final decision. The cabinet secretary is now leading efforts to improve government operations, cutting inefficiencies as part of broader reforms.”
Concerns over Wormald’s appointment are not new, but Starmer has faced recent criticism over domestic policy, including accusations of prioritizing foreign affairs over pressing domestic issues like welfare cuts.
The cabinet secretary serves as the prime minister’s top policy adviser and oversees the civil service.
Past governments have separated the role into distinct positions, as seen under David Cameron, to address management issues, but these were later merged again into a single post.
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