"Sir Keir Starmer set out ambitions to improve public services and lamented caution in the civil service, stating that Whitehall was too often comfortable in the tepid bath of managed decline."
"Ministers complain that the bureaucracy is sclerotic, but when ill-conceived projects go wrong, they blame officials for failing to flag problems earlier, or accuse them of sabotage."
"The implementation of Brexit was traumatic for the civil service, convincing Conservatives that Whitehall was hostile to their agenda, a blob that resists."
Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador on 20 December 2024 is pivotal for Sir Keir Starmer's leadership. Earlier, Starmer expressed ambitions to enhance public services, criticizing the civil service's complacency. The prime minister felt hindered by government processes, leading to Mandelson's selection over a seasoned diplomat. Sir Olly Robbins faced pressure to expedite Mandelson's vetting, which raised concerns. Starmer later dismissed Robbins for facilitating the clearance despite issues. This reflects a broader pattern where ministers blame civil servants for failures while expecting them to navigate ideological policies, particularly regarding Brexit.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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