Britain’s most senior civil servant, Sir Chris Wormald, has abruptly stepped down from Downing Street, just days after the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, Morgan McSweeney, resigned. This marks yet another blow to Number 10’s inner circle amid a string of high-profile exits.
Sir Chris Wormald Calls Time After 35 Years
Sir Chris’s resignation as Cabinet Secretary and head of the civil service took effect immediately, following a mutual agreement with the Prime Minister, confirmed by the Cabinet Office on Wednesday.
His departure leaves a significant gap at the heart of government. As the Cabinet Secretary, Sir Chris was the glue holding Whitehall departments together, overseeing operations and driving government policy across the board.
The Cabinet Office will now launch a hunt for a new Cabinet Secretary. Traditionally, candidates come from the most senior permanent secretaries. Expect an interim period while the search and selection process unfolds, ensuring Whitehall carries on without a hitch.
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The new Cabinet Secretary will take charge of the civil service and act as the PM’s top adviser on government administration and policy coordination — a critical role in steering the ship through turbulent political waters.
