Leadership Vacuum Grips Downing Street
Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces growing scrutiny over the turmoil in his administration after forcing out Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald, less than a year after his appointment. The move followed confusion in Downing Street, where officials initially declined to confirm who held the top civil service role.
By Thursday evening, the position split among three interim leaders: Cabinet Office’s Cat Little, Treasury’s James Bowler, and Home Office’s Dame Antonia Romeo. This development marks the third high-level departure in under a week, including Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney’s resignation on Sunday and Director of Communications Tim Allan’s exit the next day.
McSweeney’s role now falls to two temporary chiefs of staff, expanding the circle of decision-makers amid the disarray triggered by the Mandelson scandal. Last week, Wormald oversaw documents tied to the former New Labour figure’s short-lived US ambassador nomination.
The ‘Clattering Train’ Reference
The phrase “who is in charge of the clattering train?” evokes a historic poem recalled by Winston Churchill. In a 1935 parliamentary debate, Churchill referenced Edwin James Milliken’s 1890 Punch poem, which critiqued a fatal train crash due to negligent crew. The lines highlight a scenario hurtling out of control: “Who is in charge of the clattering train? The axles creak and the couplings strain… For Death is in charge of the clattering train!”
Churchill used it to warn against underpreparing for Nazi threats, a metaphor now applied to the current governmental instability.
Controversy Over Next Cabinet Secretary
A dispute brews over the £220,000-a-year permanent Cabinet Secretary post. Former diplomat Lord McDonald of Salford contacted No. 10, urging a full recruitment process before appointing Dame Antonia Romeo, one of the interim holders. He stated to Channel 4 News: “In my view, the due diligence has some way still to go.”
Romeo, once dubbed the “Queen of Woke,” faced a 2020 investigation for bullying and expense misuse during her New York consul general tenure but was cleared. A government source countered: “There is absolutely no basis for this criticism. The allegations all come from a single grievance made some time ago by a former employee. All were dismissed.”
Wormald, with 35 years in Whitehall, qualifies for a £250,000 payoff and a £2.5 million pension pot upon retirement. Starmer appointed him in December 2024, despite concerns over his boldness.
Criticism Mounts from Opposition
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch remarked: “The Cabinet Secretary is the latest person Keir Starmer has thrown under the bus to save his own skin. To add insult to injury, he has signed off a £250,000 payment of what looks like ‘hush money’, courtesy of the taxpayer. Once again, the Prime Minister’s judgment is found wanting.”
Additional reports suggest Starmer prioritizes attire at No. 10 meetings over policy, with he and Attorney General Lord Hermer opting for jackets over polo shirts. A senior figure noted to The Spectator: “It’s the weirdest thing… You’d get a note the night before telling everyone to make sure they’re wearing smart casual.”
Government officials confirm a permanent Cabinet Secretary appointment soon, as questions persist over who truly steers the administration.
