In an exclusive revelation, the Guardian has learned that a Reform UK government would undertake a sweeping overhaul of the civil service by dismissing the top civil servant in every government department. Senior party figures have concluded that the current permanent secretaries are not up to the necessary standard, with plans to replace them with outsiders or existing officials viewed as more likely to implement the party's priorities.
Radical Overhaul Modeled on Trump Administration
Nigel Farage's party has promised a radical program, with one senior member indicating it would be modeled on the second Trump administration. This approach focuses on making change via executive orders rather than legislation where possible, aiming to bypass traditional parliamentary processes. The plan includes appointing outside experts as ministers, with some being made peers to sit in the House of Lords, while others are lined up for winnable Commons seats.
Concerns Over Politicization and Expertise Loss
The proposed shift has prompted warnings from unions and experts about the risks of a less stable and more politicized civil service. Dave Penman, general secretary of the FDA union for senior civil servants, stated, "An ideological purge does not make for good government. You would lose experience and institutional memory, but you would also send a message to the rest of the civil service that they are not trusted." He emphasized that civil servants are required to serve the government of the day, and there is no evidence they would obstruct party priorities.
Alex Thomas from the Institute for Government thinktank added, "A blanket dismissal of the whole top of the civil service would remove an enormous amount of experience, expertise, and knowledge of how to make government do its job. If the intent is shock and awe, I would be surprised if it works." He noted that successful government reform typically involves galvanizing allies and working within the system rather than confronting it.
Financial Backing and Election Focus
Reform UK has received significant donations in recent months, including £12 million from crypto investor Christopher Harborne, allowing the party to expand its policy teams and preparation for government. However, donors are expected to be ruled out for ministerial roles. Currently, party leader Nigel Farage is focusing on the upcoming May elections across England, Scotland, and Wales, with limited input into the policy development process thus far.
International Comparisons and Existing Rules
The plan draws comparisons to other countries like the United States, where senior officials are often politicized and change with governments. In the UK, existing rules permit ministers to fast-track outsiders into the civil service as "exceptional appointments" on two-year terms, but Reform's proposals go far beyond this, aiming for a comprehensive replacement of top officials.
This move raises questions about the effectiveness and stability of government operations, as frequent changes in permanent secretaries could lead to massive churn and disruption, especially given the high turnover of secretaries of state in recent years.
