Sir Chris Wormald has been appointed as the new UK Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service, succeeding Simon Case, who has held the position since September 2020. The announcement from Prime Minister Keir Starmer came after Case indicated his intention to step down due to health reasons, effective December 16, 2024. Wormald, currently the Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health and Social Care, is seen as a stabilizing force during a period of significant governmental restructuring.
Starmer emphasized Wormald's extensive experience as being advantageous for leading the civil service through what he described as the government's "Plan for Change." With Wormald's appointment, Starmer aims to fulfill his vision of overhauling the way the British government operates, promising ambitious reforms to improve the efficiency and adaptability of various departments.
"To change this country, we must change the way government serves this country," Starmer articulated, stressing the importance of innovation and technology. This vision underlines Wormald's responsibility as the chief adviser to the government, wherein he will collaborate with Permanent Secretaries across different departments to realize these goals.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude toward Simon Case for his years of service, acknowledging the challenges faced during his tenure, which included leading the civil service through tumultuous times marked by the pandemic and significant political shifts. Starmer noted, "Simon has been a remarkable public servant, and our best wishes go to him and his family as he focuses on his health. I am delighted to welcome Chris Wormald to this role at such a pivotal moment for the country."
Wormald’s professional history is remarkable. He has held key positions across several departments, including the Department for Education and the Economic and Domestic Affairs Secretariat within the Cabinet Office. His tenure at the Department of Health saw him oversee significant policy decisions during the COVID-19 crisis, allowing him to garner experience managing complex operations under pressure.
Marked by skepticism about the speed and effectiveness of previous reforms, Wormald’s appointment arrives as Starmer looks to invigorate his government, which has faced mounting criticism for its early performance. His new role entails ensuring the civil service is equipped with the necessary skills to meet government expectations, particularly to cut NHS waiting times and boost economic growth.
Social mobility and public safety are also at the forefront of Starmer’s agenda, and with Wormald at the helm, the government hopes to re-align its priorities. The selection process for Wormald was competitive, framed by the urgency for decisive leadership to navigate the aftermath of Case's administration and the administrative challenges faced since Starmer's initial months.
The rigorous selection process included input from Civil Service leaders and external figures, demonstrating the government's commitment to transparency and meritocracy. This strategic appointment is likely to shape not only the civil service but also the broader political discourse as the administration seeks to reconnect with the electorate through tangible improvements in public services.
Keir Starmer’s decision to choose Wormald, described as the consummate civil servant, also reflects the Prime Minister's preference for stability over radical change, particularly when the government is under scrutiny. While other candidates were viewed as more charismatic, Starmer settled on Wormald based on his track record of delivering results within the civil service, which is foundational to the government's operational success.
With just weeks until Wormald assumes his new role, anticipation builds around the forthcoming "plan for change" speech from Prime Minister Starmer, which is expected to outline the government's approach to tackling current economic challenges and reforms aimed at leveling up various socio-economic issues faced by the British public. Wormald’s adept management of the civil service will play a pivotal role as the government navigates its ambitious reforms, making it an exciting time for both Wormald and the government.
