5 years, 1 month ago

What did we learn about ministers’ relations with the civil service from top mandarin Sir Mark Sedwill?

Sir Mark Sedwill, who as well as being cabinet secretary is head of the home civil service, gave evidence to a select committee of MPs yesterday. Sir Philip has threatened to sue the government for constructive dismissal, but he has not started proceedings yet, Sir Mark told the committee. Sir Bernard Woolley replied: “Minister, it’s my job to see the chips stay up.” Sir Mark did it by defensively parrying any awkward questions from MPs on the committee. Despite the headlines about the conduct of Priti Patel and Dominic Cummings, it seems clear from Sir Mark’s evidence yesterday that the rules are not going to change.

The Independent

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