Sir Chris Wormald has recently been appointed as the Cabinet Secretary under Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, a prominent role regarded as the head of the civil service and one of the most influential positions within the government. This appointment marks a pivotal moment not only in Wormald’s career but also in the direction of UK governance. During the announcement, Starmer emphasized the necessity for a “complete re-wiring of the British state” and touted Sir Chris as the best candidate for this significant transformation.
Having commenced his career within the civil service in the early 1990s, Wormald brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role. This extensive background can be interpreted in various ways: some may regard it as an invaluable asset that equips him to navigate and rectify systemic challenges, while others may view him as an entrenched establishment figure resistant to change.
The appointment has elicited varied reactions within political circles. Notably, former health minister Lord Jim Bethell expressed his enthusiasm, humorously stating he would want Wormald by his side during a zombie apocalypse. Additionally, ex-Health Secretary Sajid Javid praised Wormald’s dedication, while Matt Hancock characterized him as an instinctive reformer, capable of recognizing potential pitfalls. However, not all assessments have been favorable. Dominic Cummings, once a senior adviser in No 10, offered a scathing critique, warning that his appointment signifies a reluctance within the Westminster system to embrace necessary reforms, hinting that it reflects a continuity of failing policies.
Wormald’s tenure in the Department of Health has also not been without controversy. Since May 2016, he has engaged with seven different secretaries of state, integrating important policymaking processes particularly during and after the Covid outbreak. This includes his participation in a public inquiry into the government’s crisis management, where he has faced scrutiny regarding his communication style, described by some as “word salad,” aiming to detract from substantive issues. In November 2023, the inquiry revealed text exchanges between Wormald and former Cabinet Secretary Mark Sedwill, which raised questions regarding their pandemic preparedness discussions and indicated a troubling acceptance of herd immunity as a mitigation strategy prior to the first lockdown.
The appointment and subsequent discussions regarding Sir Chris Wormald also delve into darker historical contexts, particularly with his links to the infected blood scandal—a crisis that haunted the Department of Health for decades. After failing to appropriately inform ministers about key documents, Wormald issued apologies for the oversight and then recused himself from any related decisions when the inquiry unfolded. His familial ties to the department further compound this scrutiny, as his father, Peter Wormald, was directly involved in early departmental decisions linked to the scandal.
Personal history illustrates how Sir Chris immersed himself in public service from a young age, born in London in 1968 and educated at Rutlish School—the same institution as former Prime Minister Sir John Major. His academic journey at St John’s College, Oxford was followed by a swift entry into the civil service, where he took on roles in various departments, including time spent assisting Nick Clegg during his tenure as Deputy Prime Minister.
Despite his wealth of experience, his recent appointment surprised observers within Westminster, where many believed his time had passed. However, with rising issues like NHS waiting lists being a priority for the Prime Minister, Sir Chris’s understanding of the health sector may have influenced this decision. A relatively low media profile compared to others in the running also likely factored into Starmer’s choice; the government seems to prefer silence over the scrutiny that characterizes high-visibility personnel.
In summary, Sir Chris Wormald’s ascension to Cabinet Secretary promises to redefine certain aspects of the UK’s governmental approach, standing at the crossroads between traditional practices and the demand for progressive change. His extensive experience and proximity to systemic issues could either serve as a stabilizing force or as a fulcrum for necessary reform, depending on how effectively he embraces the challenges ahead.
