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Just as a word of warning.... Whitehall shake ups driven by personality clashes rather than a clear eyed vision of what works, and characterised by a load of briefing in advance, haven’t always gone that well in the past. https://twitter.com/drhannahwhite/status/1276236395087114244
The Cab Sec role is based as much on developing good relationships with ‘colleagues’ i.e. other perm secs as a vision of how to organise. As well as confidence of PM. The levers of power for it are a complicated mix.
There are good reasons to take a good look at the centre and think how it could be better.
But any new Cab Sec, were that to happen (and we’ve been here before with briefings), taking over under a dark cloud makes it harder still.
But any new Cab Sec, were that to happen (and we’ve been here before with briefings), taking over under a dark cloud makes it harder still.
It has been A LONG TIME since there was anything like a proper competition for a new Cab Sec. They are rare. The appt of O’Donnell was probably last proper one. And up until late 1990s it was more like a nod and a prod from the outgoing Cab Sec.
It’s basically the PMs appt to make, for all the process that does happen.
But, as I say, they need the confidence of other perm secs. So a bit of legitimacy in the appt would be somewhat welcome.
And also probably not ousting the old one via briefings to the media.
But, as I say, they need the confidence of other perm secs. So a bit of legitimacy in the appt would be somewhat welcome.
And also probably not ousting the old one via briefings to the media.
Also, just to say, there have been some fantastic women who would have made a great Cab Sec who have sadly left the civil service in recent years.
U.K. has never had a female Cab Sec or Perm Sec HMT.
U.K. has never had a female Cab Sec or Perm Sec HMT.
