Simon Case, the UK's most senior civil servant, is expected to announce his resignation as Cabinet Secretary next month, according to sources familiar with the situation in Whitehall. This development comes amid reported tensions with Sue Gray, Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff, and follows the recent transition of power to the Labour government.
Case's anticipated departure aligns with the typical practice of senior civil servants stepping down after a change in government. The Cabinet Secretary role, established in 1916 during World War I, is crucial in supporting the Prime Minister and Cabinet while maintaining political neutrality.
Sources close to Case have consistently stated that his decision to step back is partly due to health concerns. Earlier this year, he took a leave of absence for an undisclosed illness, missing a scheduled appearance at the Covid-19 Inquiry. His treatment is reportedly ongoing.
The relationship between Case and Gray has been described as fraught by multiple sources who have worked with the latter. Gray, who previously held the position of Second Permanent Secretary at the Cabinet Office, gained public prominence for her role in investigating the "partygate" scandal that contributed to Boris Johnson's downfall.
"She thinks that officialdom didn't support her - Simon and a couple of others who were involved in the centre when she was doing the report."
Recent revelations about Gray's salary have sparked controversy. Her annual pay of £170,000 exceeds that of the Prime Minister, whose salary is set by Parliament at £167,000. This disclosure has raised questions about political involvement in her appointment, with Dominic Cummings, Johnson's former chief of staff, dismissing ministers' denials as "nonsense."
The leak of Gray's salary information, likely known only to a select few at the heart of government, has fueled speculation about internal conflicts within Number 10. Ironically, Case, as Cabinet Secretary, is now tasked with leading the investigation into the source of this leak.
If Case resigns in October as expected, it would allow for a formal recruitment process to find his successor during the late autumn and winter. This timeline would potentially see a new Cabinet Secretary in place by early 2025, ensuring a smooth transition for the Civil Service leadership.
The Civil Service Commission, responsible for overseeing recruitment to the Civil Service, will likely play a key role in selecting Case's replacement. The incoming Cabinet Secretary will face the challenge of maintaining the Civil Service's core values of integrity, honesty, objectivity, and impartiality while serving the new Labour government effectively.
As this situation unfolds, it underscores the complex dynamics at play within the highest echelons of UK government and the ongoing importance of maintaining a robust and independent Civil Service.