Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces accusations of ousting another top aide amid deepening turmoil in his administration. Sir Chris Wormald steps down as head of Britain’s civil service less than a year after his appointment, following confusion over who holds the Cabinet Secretary position.
Downing Street splits the role among three interim leaders: Cabinet Office’s Cat Little, Treasury’s James Bowler, and Home Office’s Dame Antonia Romeo. This marks the third high-level departure in under a week, including Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney and Director of Communications Tim Allan, both replaced by temporary staff and expanding decision-makers.
Mounting Leadership Questions
The government grapples with disarray linked to the Mandelson scandal. Sir Chris recently oversaw documents tied to the former New Labour figure’s US ambassador nomination. Questions intensify over who steers the administration, now lacking permanent chiefs in key roles.
A dispute brews over the £220,000-a-year permanent Cabinet Secretary position. Former diplomat Lord McDonald of Salford warns No 10 against awarding it to Dame Antonia Romeo without proper process. He states to broadcasters, “In my view, the due diligence has some way still to go.” Government sources counter that past allegations against her, including bullying and expenses misuse from her New York consul role, were dismissed after investigation.
Sir Chris, with 35 years in Whitehall, receives a payoff exceeding £250,000 and holds a £2.5 million pension pot.
Opposition Criticism
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch criticizes the move: “The Cabinet Secretary is the latest person Keir Starmer has thrown under the bus to save his own skin. To add insult to injury, he has signed off a £250,000 payment of what looks like ‘hush money’, courtesy of the taxpayer. Once again, the Prime Minister’s judgment is found wanting.”
Dress Code Over Policy?
Critics claim Starmer prioritizes attire at No 10 meetings over policy. A senior figure notes officials receive notes for “smart casual” dress, with Starmer and Attorney General Lord Hermer appearing in jackets over polo shirts. Starmer appointed Sir Chris in December 2024 despite concerns over his boldness.
The ‘Clattering Train’ Reference
The phrase evokes chaos, stemming from Winston Churchill’s 1935 parliamentary warning on Nazi threats. He recalled Edwin James Milliken’s 1890 Punch poem about a fatal train crash due to asleep crew: “Who is in charge of the clattering train? The axles creak and the couplings strain… For Death is in charge of the clattering train!” It symbolizes out-of-control situations.
A permanent Cabinet Secretary appointment is expected shortly.
