Sir Chris Wormald has resigned as the Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service, marking a significant upheaval at the top of Britain’s civil administration.
His departure comes just 14 months into the role, the shortest tenure in the position’s 110-year history, and follows intense backlash over government appointments and internal disagreements.
The Cabinet Secretary is the most senior civil servant in the UK, responsible for advising the Prime Minister and coordinating the work of government departments.
Why Resignation Happened
Wormald’s exit is widely seen as linked to controversy around the vetting process that led to the appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the U.S., a decision that has sparked political criticism and staff resignations.
Tories and former civil service leaders have publicly criticised the handling of the transition, with some saying Wormald was effectively “undermined” by political leadership.
A former top civil servant, Sir Simon McDonald, has called for more robust due diligence before naming Wormald’s successor, warning against a rushed replacement process.
Succession Plan
Dame Antonia Romeo, currently Permanent Secretary at the Home Office, is widely expected to be appointed Wormald’s successor.
If confirmed, she would become the first female Cabinet Secretary in UK history — a landmark for the civil service. However, her candidacy has itself faced scrutiny, with calls for careful vetting amid concerns about past media scrutiny.
Wormald’s resignation is part of a broader period of turnover within Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s team, including recent departures of senior aides. Critics say the shake-up reflects internal tensions over leadership direction and civil service reform strategies.
