Sir Chris Wormald is set to become the new head of the civil service and Cabinet Secretary, taking up the role on December 16th. Currently the head of the Department for Health and Social Care since 2016, he will replace Simon Case, who announced his departure in September after four years in the position.
As the most senior official adviser to the prime minister and Cabinet, Sir Chris will be responsible for implementing the government’s “five missions” and driving significant administrative reforms. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need to “re-wire” the British state, highlighting Sir Chris’s extensive experience in government.
During the Covid pandemic, Sir Chris led the health department and defended its performance at the public inquiry. When questioned about potential chaos in the department, he maintained that staff worked incredibly hard under challenging circumstances. This experience has been both a point of criticism and praise in his appointment.
Reactions to his appointment have been mixed. Lord McDonald, a former Foreign Office chief, congratulated Sir Chris, praising his experience, integrity, and imagination. Another government source described him as a consummate Whitehall insider who understands governmental operations deeply.
However, not all responses were positive. Former Downing Street adviser Dominic Cummings criticized the appointment, suggesting the Westminster system is resistant to change. Some civil servants expressed skepticism, with some claiming he had “failed upwards” and others calling the appointment “farcical”.
Sir Chris acknowledged that his new role would require civil servants to learn new skills and embrace change. He emphasized the need for the British state to operate differently, stating that every civil servant must be part of this transformation agenda.
Despite the criticisms, many colleagues view Sir Chris as well-liked, describing him as collegiate and unobtrusive. He has previously filled parts of the Cabinet Secretary’s role during Simon Case’s periods of ill-health.
Case’s tenure was complicated by the Downing Street parties investigation, during which he had to step aside after it was revealed he had hosted an event during lockdown. Starmer thanked Case for his service and wished him well, acknowledging his years of public service.
The appointment comes at a crucial time for the UK government, with Starmer seeking to implement significant administrative reforms. Sir Chris’s challenge will be to lead the civil service through this transformation, breaking down bureaucratic barriers and leveraging technology and innovation.
His background in health administration during a complex pandemic period, combined with his long-standing experience in government, positions him as a potentially strategic choice for driving administrative change.
The civil service now awaits to see how Sir Chris will navigate the ambitious reform agenda and whether he can successfully “re-wire” the British state as promised.
