Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces growing scrutiny over leadership turmoil after forcing out Sir Chris Wormald, head of Britain’s civil service, just a year after his appointment. The move highlights deepening disarray in Downing Street, where confusion erupted over who holds the Cabinet Secretary position.
Downing Street initially declined to clarify the role’s status, but officials later confirmed it now splits among three interim leaders: Cat Little from the Cabinet Office, James Bowler from the Treasury, and Dame Antonia Romeo from the Home Office. This follows the resignations of Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney on Sunday and Director of Communications Tim Allan on Monday, leaving the government without permanent heads in these critical roles.
McSweeney’s departure prompted two temporary chiefs of staff, multiplying decision-makers amid the fallout from the Mandelson scandal. Last week, Sir Chris oversaw documents tied to Peter Mandelson’s short-lived US ambassador nomination, intensifying pressure on the Prime Minister.
The ‘Clattering Train’ Reference
The phrase ‘who is in charge of the clattering train?’ evokes a historic warning from Winston Churchill. In a 1935 parliamentary debate, he recalled an 1890 Punch poem by Edwin James Milliken, written after a fatal train crash due to negligent crew. The lines describe a runaway train hurtling toward disaster under ‘Death’s’ control, symbolizing unchecked chaos.
Churchill invoked it to urge rearmament against Nazi threats, a caution now applied to the current government’s instability.
Controversy Over Interim Roles and Payoffs
Sir Chris, with 35 years in Whitehall, stands to receive over £250,000 in severance and holds a £2.5 million pension pot. Debate swirls over the permanent Cabinet Secretary role, particularly Dame Antonia Romeo’s candidacy. A former diplomat, Lord McDonald of Salford, contacted No. 10 warning against appointing her without proper process. He stated to Channel 4 News: ‘In my view, the due diligence has some way still to go.’
Government sources counter: ‘There is absolutely no basis for this criticism. The allegations all come from a single grievance made some time ago by a former employee. All were dismissed.’ Dame Antonia faced past probes for bullying and expenses as New York Consul General but was cleared.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch criticized: ‘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.’
Focus on Dress Code Over Policy
Critics accuse Starmer of prioritizing appearances over priorities. A senior figure noted that he and Attorney General Lord Hermer attend No. 10 meetings in jackets over polo shirts, with pre-meeting notes enforcing ‘smart casual’ attire. Sir Keir appointed Sir Chris in December 2024 despite concerns he lacked boldness for reforms.
Officials promise a permanent Cabinet Secretary ‘shortly,’ but questions persist about who truly steers the government.
