Image source, PA MediaImage caption, As his most senior official, Sir Chris was at the PM's side in cabinet meetingsByIain WatsonPolitical correspondentPublished13 February 2026 Sir Keir Starmer and the rest of his cabinet may still be in their jobs at the end of a tumultuous week – but the same can not be said of key figures in behind-the-scenes roles. The head of the Civil Service Sir Chris Wormald has been pushed out, along with the PM's trusted political aide Morgan McSweeney. His highly experienced communications director Tim Allan has also departed. In the past 18 months no less than four communications directors have headed for the Downing Street exit. Such is the rate of summary dismissals at Downing Street, it's probably just as well that not all of the measures in the government's employment rights legislation have been implemented. But is transplanting staff at the heart of government part of a bigger strategy? Or is it simply a short-term tactical move, a sticking plaster to get the PM through the next news cycle?
Published: February 13, 2026 4:18 pm
Source: BBC — Read original