Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald Set for £250,000 Payoff Amid Downing Street Chaos
Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald is reportedly in line for a substantial £250,000 exit package, barely a year after Prime Minister Keir Starmer appointed him to lead a major overhaul of the state machinery. This development emerges as a significant exodus from Downing Street continues, following the political meltdown involving Lord Mandelson.
Swift Departure and Mounting Tensions
Sir Chris Wormald, appointed to the £220,000-per-year role in December 2024, was initially hailed by Sir Keir Starmer as an "exceptional" choice to "drive" transformative change within the government. The Prime Minister publicly stated that there was "no-one better placed to drive forward our Plan For Change" and expressed anticipation for collaboration to improve public services and national renewal.
However, persistent rumours have circulated regarding tensions between Sir Chris and Number 10, with briefings suggesting the top mandarin has been obstructing key reform initiatives. His potential departure could mark one of the shortest tenures for a Cabinet Secretary in recent history.
Scandal and Succession Speculation
The situation is further complicated by allegations from former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who accused Sir Chris of failing to conduct an adequate investigation into correspondence between New Labour architect Lord Mandelson and the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. This scandal has placed immense pressure on the Prime Minister's leadership.
As Sir Chris negotiates his exit, attention has turned to his potential successor. Home Office mandarin Antonia Romeo, whose application for the role was rejected by Sir Keir in 2024, is now the favoured candidate to become the next Cabinet Secretary. Westminster insiders suggest Dame Antonia would only accept the position if offered directly, without a competitive application process, a decision that would rest with the Civil Service Commission.
Political Backlash and Security Concerns
Tory peer and former Cabinet minister Lord Gove condemned the treatment of Sir Chris, labelling it a "disgrace." He praised Sir Chris as a "dedicated public servant" who executed reforms diligently at the Department for Education, criticising the Prime Minister's judgement as lacking leadership.
The chaotic circumstances have raised serious questions about national security protocols. Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) revealed that Sir Chris was unexpectedly unavailable for a crucial meeting, with Cabinet Office official Catherine Little attending in his stead. The committee is urgently seeking government papers related to Lord Mandelson's vetting and appointment, which have not been released despite commitments to transparency.
Additionally, national security chief Jonathan Powell faces scrutiny for reportedly encouraging Sir Keir to appoint Lord Mandelson as US ambassador, further intensifying the political crisis.
Profile of the Presumed Successor
Dame Antonia Romeo, a high-profile civil servant, previously served as Consul General in New York, where she engaged with celebrity figures like Calvin Klein and Anna Wintour to promote UK trade. Her tenure, however, was marred by a 2017 investigation into allegations of bullying staff and misusing expenses, including unauthorised school fees and extravagant travel. The Cabinet Office dismissed these claims, finding no case to answer, and she was subsequently promoted.
Sir Keir Starmer is said to be impressed by Dame Antonia's management of the small boats crisis at the Home Office, bolstering her candidacy. Her potential appointment underscores the ongoing turbulence within Downing Street, as the Prime Minister grapples with resignations, including those of his chief of staff and communications director, amid a struggle to maintain authority.
