Reform UK's Radical Plan to Overhaul Top Civil Servants
In an exclusive revelation, the Guardian has learned that a Reform UK government would dismiss the top civil servant in every government department, replacing them with individuals seen as more likely to implement the party's priorities. Senior Reform figures have concluded that the current crop of permanent secretaries, who lead each department, are not up to the necessary standard. Some would be replaced by outsiders, while others would be substituted with existing officials viewed as more suitable.
Warnings of a Politicised and Less Effective Civil Service
This plan has prompted significant warnings from unions and experts, who argue that such a shift could lead to a less stable and more politicised civil service. The potential loss of significant expertise and institutional memory is a major concern, with critics suggesting it would make government less effective. Dave Penman, general secretary of the FDA union for senior civil servants, stated, "An ideological purge does not make for good government. You would lose experience and institutional memory, but you would also send a message to the rest of the civil service that they are not trusted." He emphasised that civil servants are already obligated to serve the government of the day, and there is no evidence they would obstruct Reform's agenda.
Modelling on Trump Administration and Focus on Executive Orders
Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has promised to enact a radical programme, with one senior member indicating it would be modelled on the second Trump administration. This approach would focus on making change via executive orders rather than legislation, where possible. The party has also said it would consider appointing outside experts as ministers, with some potentially being made peers to sit in the House of Lords, while others could be lined up for winnable Commons seats. Despite receiving large donations, such as £12 million from crypto investor Christopher Harborne, donors are expected to be ruled out for ministerial roles.
Expansion of Policy Teams and Farage's Focus on Elections
The influx of money has allowed Reform UK to expand its teams working on new policies and preparation for government. However, insiders note that this process has had limited input from Farage, who is currently focusing on the May elections across England, Scotland, and Wales. This expansion comes as the party gears up for potential governance, though the plans for civil service overhaul have sparked debate about their practicality and impact.
International Comparisons and Risks of Disruption
Alex Thomas from the Institute for Government thinktank highlighted that while setting a clear direction for civil servants is important, a blanket dismissal of top officials would remove an enormous amount of experience and expertise. He cautioned, "If the intent is shock and awe, I would be surprised if it works. The history of government reform shows that people who succeed are those who galvanise, find allies and work with the system, rather than going to war with it." Other countries, like the US, have politicised senior officials who change with governments, but existing UK rules already allow for fast-tracking outsiders as "exceptional appointments" on two-year terms.
The plan risks creating a cycle of disruption, as Penman noted: "Another problem is that as soon as you have political picks, when you change the minister they will want their own pick as well. In the last 10 years we have had whole football teams of secretaries of state. If you changed the permanent secretary every time, it would be a massive churn, and very disruptive." Reform UK was contacted for comment but did not respond.
