The Government has been accused of attempting to secretly push forward its contentious digital ID programme, following the emergence of a leaked job advertisement for a senior role to oversee the project. This comes despite a massive public petition against the scheme, signed by nearly three million people.
High-Paying Role for Controversial Scheme
The Cabinet Office confirmed to the Daily Mail that an internal advert seeking a Deputy Director for the digital ID programme is legitimate. The position, which offers an £81,000 salary for an 18-month temporary contract, was circulated internally as a short-term secondment opportunity rather than being publicly advertised.
The successful candidate will be tasked with "progressing impactful Digital ID use cases" and "identifying the specifications and capabilities" for the system. They will work under the Policy Director to maintain technical compliance with regulations.
Public Opposition and 'Sinister' Expansion
The revelation has ignited fresh criticism, as the programme faces significant public resistance. A petition against the mandatory digital ID plan, announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in September to tackle illegal immigration, has become one of the most popular in British history.
Opposition has grown further following reports of a potential "sinister" expansion of the policy to include newborn babies. Ministers have privately discussed issuing digital identities at birth, alongside the traditional 'red book' health records, drawing parallels with systems in countries like Estonia.
Political Backlash and Secretive Tactics
Critics have lambasted the Government's approach. Reform UK Deputy Leader Richard Tice accused ministers of "sneaking through job adverts" for a "toxic scheme in secret." He condemned the £80,000 salary as evidence of a potential vast IT project with spiralling costs that would impinge on public freedoms.
Shadow Cabinet Office minister Mike Wood questioned the logic, stating: "Labour said their plan for mandatory digital ID was about tackling illegal immigration. But now we hear they are secretly considering forcing it on newborns. What do babies have to do with stopping the boats?"
A Cabinet Office spokesman defended the internal advert, stating it was "not a secret" and had been seen by over half a million people, arguing it is normal practice for short-term secondments.
Plummeting Public Support
Polling data reveals a dramatic shift in public opinion since the policy was detailed. A YouGov poll in June last year showed 57% support for a national ID system. However, by December, after Sir Keir's announcement, support had plummeted to 38%, with opposition jumping to 47%. Those strongly opposed tripled from 12% to 31%.
The Government has yet to confirm a final timeframe for the scheme, which is due to be introduced by the end of this Parliament in 2028-29. The Office for Budget Responsibility estimates the cost at £1.8 billion, though ministers have not set out how it will be funded.
