The Conservative Party has initiated an inquiry into the appointment of a former Labour Party staffer to a senior government position, raising concerns about the potential politicization of civil service roles. This development comes amidst growing allegations of cronyism against Sir Keir Starmer's leadership.
Victoria Atkins, the shadow health secretary, has formally addressed these concerns in a letter to Sir Chris Wormald, the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health. The letter, titled "politicisation of Department of Health civil servants," seeks clarification on several aspects of the recruitment process.
Key questions raised by Atkins include:
- Was the position advertised within the Civil Service or externally?
- Did the appointee declare their Labour Party membership?
- What other appointments have been made without "fair and open competition" since July 5?
The inquiry stems from claims that a former member of Wes Streeting's staff secured a communications role in the Department of Health shortly after Labour's electoral victory. The circumstances surrounding this appointment remain unclear, particularly whether it adhered to standard recruitment procedures or utilized the exceptions rule.
"The professionalism and political neutrality of the Civil Service is undermined with each of these allegations across Government. There must also be an impact on officials, as the rules of employment seem to be changing without consultation or transparency."
This situation highlights the ongoing debate about maintaining the political neutrality of the UK Civil Service, a principle established by the Northcote-Trevelyan Report of 1854. The Civil Service Code, introduced in 1996, further reinforces this commitment to impartiality.
Recent appointments have reportedly utilized an exceptions rule, allowing ministers to bypass typical Civil Service recruitment processes. While this rule is intended for short-term hires or roles requiring specialized skills, its increased use has raised eyebrows.
The Department of Health and Social Care, formed in 1988, responded to these allegations by stating that all appointments comply with Civil Service recruitment rules. However, they declined to comment on individual personnel matters.
This controversy occurs against the backdrop of a Civil Service that, as of 2021, employed approximately 484,880 individuals. The Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 placed the Civil Service on a statutory footing, emphasizing the importance of maintaining its integrity and independence.
As this situation unfolds, it underscores the delicate balance between political appointments and the preservation of an impartial civil service, a cornerstone of UK governance since 1855.