Kemi Badenoch has made a formal appeal to the regulator overseeing civil service appointments, urging a delay in the dismissal of Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald. This request comes as documents related to Lord Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador are pending release. Badenoch’s letter to the First Civil Service Commissioner emphasizes the importance of Sir Chris’s role in overseeing the publication of these documents before any decisions about his position are finalized.
Sir Chris Wormald, who was appointed as Cabinet Secretary by the Prime Minister in December 2024, is reportedly negotiating an exit package. The government’s preferred successor is Dame Antonia Romeo, currently the top civil servant at the Home Office. She was previously shortlisted for the role when Sir Chris was appointed.
Calls for a Transparent Selection Process
In her letter, Badenoch, the Tory leader, advocates for a “full new process” to select Sir Chris’s replacement, criticizing the Prime Minister’s handling of the situation. She described Sir Chris as “the latest person to be thrown under a bus by this prime minister,” highlighting the turbulent nature of the current administration’s personnel decisions.
Badenoch argues that the cabinet secretary should not be removed until the completion of the document release related to Lord Mandelson. This sentiment underscores concerns about maintaining continuity and transparency in government operations during critical times.
Controversy Surrounding Successor Selection
The First Civil Service Commissioner, Baroness Stuart, a former Labour MP and Brexit campaigner, is tasked with overseeing appointments to the Civil Service. The potential appointment of Dame Antonia Romeo has sparked debate, particularly following comments by Lord McDonald, the former head of the Foreign Office.
In an interview with Channel 4 News, Lord McDonald suggested that “due diligence has some way still to go” if Dame Antonia is the favored candidate. This statement alludes to past allegations regarding her spending during her tenure as consul-general in New York, which were investigated and dismissed.
A cabinet office spokesperson responded to Lord McDonald’s remarks, stating, “There is absolutely no basis for this criticism,” and clarified that the allegations stemmed from a single grievance that was resolved without any findings against Dame Antonia.
Implications for Civil Service Leadership
Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to enhance vetting procedures for senior roles, a promise made in the wake of controversial appointments, including that of Lord Mandelson and Lord Doyle. If appointed, Dame Antonia would make history as the first female head of the Civil Service, a move that critics argue could help dismantle the perceived “boys’ club” culture within Downing Street.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has been vocal about the need for more women in senior roles, aligning with broader calls for diversity and inclusion within government ranks.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
Sir Chris Wormald’s tenure as Cabinet Secretary, though brief, was marked by significant challenges. Appointed with the task of implementing “the complete re-wiring of the British state to deliver bold and ambitious long-term reform,” his appointment was met with skepticism due to his career civil servant background. Reports of dissatisfaction with his performance have circulated for months.
As the situation unfolds, the government’s approach to leadership transitions and the handling of sensitive appointments remains under scrutiny. The outcome of this situation could set a precedent for how similar cases are managed in the future, particularly concerning transparency and accountability in high-level government appointments.
With Sir Chris’s potential departure, the focus now shifts to ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining public trust in the government’s ability to manage its senior appointments effectively. The coming weeks are likely to be pivotal in shaping the future leadership landscape of the Civil Service.
