Britain's civil service faces turbulence as Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald became the third senior figure to leave Prime Minister Keir Starmer's administration this week. The resignation follows controversy over newly appointed U.S. Ambassador Peter Mandelson's ties to late financier Jeffrey Epstein, revealed in recently unsealed court documents.
Wormald, who assumed the UK's highest civil service role in December 2024, described his 35-year career as "an honor and privilege" in a farewell statement Thursday. His departure comes days after Starmer's chief aide Morgan McSweeney and communications head Tim Allan resigned.
The political storm intensified when Mandelson – a key architect of Starmer's 2024 election victory – faced scrutiny over his relationship with Epstein. While Mandelson denies receiving payments from the convicted sex offender, opposition leaders demand explanations about his diplomatic appointment.
Prime Minister Starmer acknowledged the challenges, stating: "This government will never walk away from delivering the change Britain needs." However, his Labour administration trails Reform UK in polls amid policy reversals on welfare reforms and economic strategy.
Analysts suggest the leadership reshuffle signals Starmer's attempt to regain momentum ahead of crucial local elections. The government faces mounting pressure to address cost-of-living concerns while managing fallout from the diplomatic appointment controversy.
