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Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormold – Britain’s most senior civil servant – has agreed with Prime Minister Keir Starmer to step down, Reuters reported. The decision comes amid a political crisis sparked by the backlash against the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson for British Ambassador to the United States.
It is the third senior member of the government team to leave in a matter of days, deepening the sense of instability in governance.
“I am very grateful to Sir Chris for his long and distinguished career in public service spanning more than 35 years, and for the support he has given me over the past year,” Starmer said. “I agreed with him to step down as a cabinet minister today,” the prime minister added.
What is the role of the cabinet secretary?
The post of Cabinet Secretary is a key one in the British government system. He is the most senior civil servant and head of the British civil service. The position includes:
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coordinating the work of ministers and government departments;
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providing impartial expert support for the Prime Minister and Cabinet;
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supervision of the functioning of the civil service;
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ensuring institutional stability and continuity between different governments.
Therefore, the resignation of a person in this position is perceived as a serious event, as it affects not only the political leadership, but also the administrative core of the government.
The Mandelson scandal
The crisis was sparked by the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US, after which old correspondence and new documents were made public showing close relationship between Mandelson and convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein. The revelations sparked sharp criticism of the prime minister and questions over whether he had been briefed on the full details of Mandelson’s connections before his appointment.
Wormold admitted to MPs that a report on the reputational risk associated with the appointment had been provided to Starmerbut the final decision rested with the prime minister. Mandelson was subsequently relieved of his post as ambassador after new emails and documents highlighted the wider scope of his relationship with Epstein, including support for him even after his conviction.
Wormold’s resignation comes as the opposition and some in the public are pushing for even more transparency around Mandelson’s appointment process. Starmer faced pressure to release all documents and emails relating to the proceedings, including from his own MPs who demanded full disclosure.
The political upheaval highlights the tensions in British politics and the challenges for Starmer’s cabinet to maintain credibility both domestically and internationally as it deals with the fallout from the scandal and structural issues surrounding the appointment of key diplomatic figures.
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Today, more than ever, independent journalism needs you. In our mission to provide objective, credible and timely news, we count on your support.
If you believe in your right to objective information, support us.
Your donation of any size at any time means a lot to us.
Dear readers,
Today, more than ever, independent journalism needs you.
In our mission to provide objective, credible and timely news, we count on your support.
If you believe in your right to objective information, support us.
date:2026-02-12 18:02:00
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