Boris Johnson has tapped Simon Case – Prince William’s former private secretary – as the UK’s top civil servant, reports have suggested.
The FT reported that 41-year-old Case, a member of Johnson’s inner circle, would be appointed to the role, with an announcement expected on Tuesday. He is expected to push through reforms to how the British state operates, inspired by Dominic Cummings.
Case was temporarily appointed as permanent secretary in Number 10 in May, at the height of the Covid-19 crisis, in an attempt to bring some stability to the government’s chaotic response to the pandemic.
But few considered him a leading candidate to replace Sir Mark Sedwill – who was essentially sacked by Johnson earlier this year – as cabinet secretary.
‘A hard rain is coming’
Cummings told political aides in June that “a hard rain is coming” and has vowed to overhaul an “incoherent” Cabinet Office, with the intention of “shaking up Whitehall culture”, according to the FT.
One senior official told the paper: “Simon’s appointment is very much a ‘hard rain’ appointment. It’s a sign they want to do things quickly.
But if the other permanent secretaries don’t recognise that person as “the boss” there will be trouble. Will he find that the levers aren’t attached to anything?”
Blame the officials
The government has sought to blame civil servants for the failure of ministers throughout the pandemic. Last week Jonathan Slater, the top official at the Department for Education, was sacked over the A-level fiasco – becoming the fifth permanent secretary to depart in six months.
No minister has resigned over the government’s coronavirus failings.
Case became a civil servant in 2006, and he has worked as private secretary to former PM David Cameron as well as helping to deliver the 2012 London Olympics.
Related: Love Island stars paid to promote flailing NHS Test and Trace
Since you are here
Since you are here, we wanted to ask for your help.
Journalism in Britain is under threat. The government is becoming increasingly authoritarian and our media is run by a handful of billionaires, most of whom reside overseas and all of them have strong political allegiances and financial motivations.
Our mission is to hold the powerful to account. It is vital that free media is allowed to exist to expose hypocrisy, corruption, wrongdoing and abuse of power. But we can't do it without you.
If you can afford to contribute a small donation to the site it will help us to continue our work in the best interests of the public. We only ask you to donate what you can afford, with an option to cancel your subscription at any point.
To donate or subscribe to The London Economic, click here.
The TLE shop is also now open, with all profits going to supporting our work.
The shop can be found here.
You can also SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER .
