Keir Starmer appoints Chris Wormald as new cabinet secretary

Keir Starmer has chosen Chris Wormald, a long-time civil servant currently leading the health department, as the new cabinet secretary. This decision has drawn backlash from families who lost loved ones to Covid, who are unhappy with his performance during the pandemic.

In a decision that may catch some off guard, Wormald, who has served as the permanent secretary at the Department of Health and Social Care for eight years, will replace Simon Case on December 16 as the highest-ranking official in the country, according to a formal announcement.

Wormald was seen as perhaps the most conventional and unassuming candidate among the four finalists, and he was considered the least likely to succeed Case in a position that involves leading the civil service.

Olly Robbins, who managed Brexit talks during Theresa May's time as prime minister before stepping down from his government role, was considered a top contender. Other potential candidates included Antonia Romeo, the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Justice, and Tamara Finkelstein, who has the same position in the Department for Environment.

Wormald will come with some past issues and lingering debate, primarily linked to his position in the health department during the early stages of the Covid pandemic.

Certain findings from the official investigation into Covid have connected Wormald, who testified last November, to a broader sense of complacency regarding the UK's readiness for any pandemic. This attitude has had a ripple effect on NHS and care services.

Later that month, Patrick Vallance, who served as the UK government's chief scientific adviser, revealed that he had faced criticism from Wormald and Mark Sedwill, the cabinet secretary at the time, for urgently urging increased measures to combat the virus in mid-March 2020.

Vallance mentioned that Wormald was extremely furious about what he had done, as he hadn't brought up the issue through the proper formal procedures.

Barbara Herbert, a member of the Covid 19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK group, expressed her deep frustration and concern over Wormald's promotion, calling it “incredibly upsetting and alarming.”

"Christopher Wormald has continually denied any shortcomings by the Department of Health and Social Care during the UK Covid Inquiry, even in the face of clear evidence demonstrating otherwise, as experienced by the entire population during the pandemic," she stated. Herbert further pointed out that he had "neglected to get the Department ready for the pandemic, even though such a crisis was completely predictable."

Nonetheless, Sajid Javid, who served as health secretary following the height of the pandemic, described Wormald's appointment as "a wise decision."

He remarked, “After collaborating with him at Health and Social Care, I witnessed firsthand his exceptional talent and commitment. He possesses a keen intellect, a thorough grasp of governmental processes, and consistently achieves outcomes, even when faced with challenges.”

Wormald has also served as the leader of the Department for Education. His experience includes positions in the Cabinet Office and the Department for Communities, as well as acting as the main private secretary for Labour ministers Estelle Morris and Charles Clarke during the Blair administration.

In September, Case revealed his decision to resign due to health issues after serving in his position for four years, following medical treatment for a neurological disorder. He was also associated with various controversies related to leaks and internal disputes during the initial months of the Starmer administration.

In making the announcement, Starmer expressed gratitude to Case for his dedication to the country and the significant assistance he provided during Starmer's early tenure as prime minister. He remarked, "Case has been an outstanding public servant for many years, and we wish him and his family all the best as he takes some time to prioritize his health."

"I’m very pleased that Chris Wormald has accepted the position of the new cabinet secretary. He has a lot of experience that will be invaluable during this important time of transformation for the new government."