Chris Wormald has been appointed as the new head of the civil service and Cabinet Secretary, set to take up the post on December 16th. He brings significant experience from heading the Department for Health and Social Care since 2016, with praise from Lord McDonald and a government source for his qualifications and abilities. However, criticism from Dominic Cummings regarding the Westminster system’s resistance to change has been raised.
Background and Appointment
Chris Wormald has been appointed as the new head of the civil service and Cabinet Secretary, set to take up the post on December 16th. He will replace Simon Case, who announced his resignation in September due to health reasons.
Career and Experience
Sir Chris Wormald brings significant experience to the role, having headed the Department for Health and Social Care since 2016. During his tenure, he led the department through the Covid pandemic and was questioned at the Covid inquiry regarding the handling of the crisis. He has also been praised for his ability to reform public services.
Praise and Criticism
The appointment has received both praise and criticism from various sources. Former Foreign Office chief Lord McDonald congratulated Sir Chris, highlighting his experience, integrity, imagination, hard work, and a touch of iconoclasm as essential qualities for the role. Another government source praised him as a consummate Whitehall insider who knows how government works.
However, former Downing Street adviser Dominic Cummings criticized the appointment, stating that the Westminster system is determined to resist change. Some civil servants have expressed incredulity at the appointment, particularly given the prime minister’s claim that Sir Chris would drive reform and deliver long-term ambition.
Prime Minister’s Statement
The prime minister has stated that delivering government priorities will require “re-wiring” the British state to achieve reform. He praised Sir Chris for bringing huge experience to the role and highlighted his ability to break down silos across government, harness technology, and innovation.
Reaction from Labour Party
Labour leader Keir Starmer thanked Simon Case for his service and wished him well in his health-focused endeavors. He described Case as a remarkable public servant who had been invaluable in supporting him personally.
Key Points
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Set to take up the post on December 16th, replacing Simon Case.
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Brings significant experience from heading the Department for Health and Social Care since 2016.
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Praise from Lord McDonald and a government source for his qualifications and abilities.
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Criticism from Dominic Cummings regarding the Westminster system’s resistance to change.
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Civil servants express incredulity at the appointment, particularly given the prime minister’s claims about reform.
Background on Chris Wormald
Experience and Qualifications
Government’s Priorities
Labour leader Keir Starmer has thanked Simon Case for his service and expressed best wishes as he takes time off due to health reasons. However, some civil servants have expressed incredulity at the appointment, citing concerns over Sir Chris Wormald’s ability to drive change.
Criticism from Former Downing Street Adviser
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Replacing Simon Case who announced his resignation in September due to health reasons
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Prime minister praises his “huge experience” and ability to bring about reform
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Some civil servants have expressed concerns over his ability to drive change
