The head of the senior civil servants' union has described attacks on the UK's cabinet secretary as 'stinking of political cowardice', as concerns mount inside the government about Chris Wormald's performance.
Dave Penman, general secretary of the FDA, said the anonymous criticism was 'hugely damaging' to the government and its ability to recruit talented officials. Reports have emerged that No 10 had 'buyer's remorse' over the appointment, with aides viewing Wormald as 'insipid' and entrenched in the status quo.
Penman stated: 'Even if he was failing to deliver what he is supposed to deliver, this isn't the way to deal with it. It stinks of political cowardice. It's hugely damaging because what does it say about the political leadership?'
Senior civil service figures questioned what expectations had been, with one describing the criticism as unfair and noting it was 'a deliberate choice to go low-energy'. Another Whitehall insider highlighted Wormald's role under Michael Gove at the Department for Education, saying he 'makes things work for your minister'.
Downing Street insisted Wormald continues to have the prime minister's support, but a spokesperson said Starmer would 'like things to move further and faster'. Several cabinet ministers are understood to have concerns, and former colleagues at the Department of Health criticised his leadership, citing poor pandemic preparation and the infected blood scandal.
