UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – British PM Keir Starmer faces claims of creating a “toxic” Downing Street amid reports of internal briefings against top civil servant Sir Chris Wormald.
As reported by The Telegraph, Sir Keir Starmer has come under fire over claims of a toxic Number 10 environment following reports of briefings targeting his top civil servant.
Supporters of Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald have rejected claims he is a “parody of every Civil Service stereotype” and is stalling reforms in Number 10.
What did sources say about Keir Starmer and his top civil servant?
Reports suggest Sir Chris Wormald, who has been in post less than a year, is reportedly at risk of being sacked for failing to implement the “rewire the state” reforms.
Critics argued Mr Wormald has moved too slowly in delivering Labour’s key priorities, often delaying actions with extended consultations.
He holds the country’s highest civil service post, attends Cabinet meetings, and oversees all Whitehall officials.
Mr Wormold previously served as permanent secretary for both the Department of Education and the Department of Health during the COVID-19 crisis.
He was appointed after Lord Case stepped down, who had welcomed Keir Starmer as Cabinet Secretary.
One Whitehall source said Sir Chris was
“not really a doer” and “likes to talk about problems rather than fix them”,
adding,
“It’s not a secret that there are quite a lot of frustrations with him.”
Allies accused the Prime Minister of allowing hostile briefings against his senior official and fostering a toxic culture in Downing Street.
According to a source, the public criticism was “appalling,” with Mr Starmer accused of allowing his team to brief against Mr Wormold.
They stated,
“The Prime Minister chose Chris over other candidates who are less experienced but probably more radically-minded, and knew exactly what he was getting, so this is all very bemusing.”
The source claimed Mr Starmer “developed a habit of hiring, blaming, and firing,” describing the backlash against top civil servants as the “latest in a long-established pattern.”
They said,
“As Prime Minister, he has done it with his political team, press team, policy unit, and civil servants. He has created a toxic and low-trust environment in Downing Street.”
What did the Government spokesman say about the PM’s support for the cabinet secretary?
The spokesman stated,
“The Cabinet Secretary continues to have the support of the Prime Minister, and they are working closely together to deliver on the priorities of the British public, which includes restructuring the Government to focus on delivery for the British people.”
The government stated that the Prime Minister aims to advance Whitehall reforms, noting that “rewiring the state” remains a key priority.
Another government source added,
“The PM has every right to sack whoever he wants, but people deserve dignity on the way out, not a briefing campaign in the national media. It is harsh, and it’s too far.”
Referring to Mr Wormold, one source added,
“Everyone thinks he’s going to go. We need more of a reformer in there, who wants to change things.”
If Mr Wormald is sacked, Baroness Casey, the former victims commissioner now involved in the grooming gangs inquiry, is being considered as his replacement.
In recent months, Mr Starmer has lost some of his top staff, including two communications directors, two policy officials, and a strategy adviser.
A source close to Number 10 said the Prime Minister has lost his longest-serving allies from the opposition era and will now govern with fewer loyalists.
How did Sir Keir Starmer describe Sir Chris’s role in delivering the plan for change?
Sir Keir Starmer called Sir Chris Wormold’s appointment in December 2024 pivotal to transforming how government serves the country.
He added,
“From breaking down silos across government to harnessing the incredible potential of technology and innovation, it will require nothing less than the complete rewiring of the British state to deliver bold and ambitious long-term reform.”
Sir Chris stated,
“I am delighted that the Prime Minister has appointed me to the privileged role of leading our talented Civil Service as we rise to the challenge of delivering the Government’s focused agenda to deliver its Plan for Change.”
He added,
“The Government has set a clear mandate – an ambitious agenda with working people at its heart. That will require each and every one of us to embrace the change agenda in how the British state operates.”
What did Bridget Phillipson say about sexist briefings from Number 10?
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson claimed she had been targeted by sexist briefings from Number 10.
The deputy leadership contender hinted that Downing Street had briefed negatively about her performance.
The Cabinet minister highlighted the “certain irony” of being touted by the press as Sir Keir Starmer’s favourite for the job.
When asked about sexist briefings, the Education Secretary said, “Yeah, completely. I’ve been underestimated most of my life.”
She stated,
“I do slightly have to laugh because there’s this idea swirling around somehow that I’m Number 10’s preferred candidate for all of this.”
Ms Phillipson added,
“I’m not quite sure that’s what you and many colleagues in the media have been saying in recent months with all of this negativity and nonsense that I’ve faced. So there’s a certain irony I would say in some of the way that this is being approached.”
Who is running in the Labour deputy leadership election?
Bridget Phillipson has 175 MP nominations, additional CLP nominations, and backing from major trade unions.
Lucy Powell, former Leader of the House of Commons, has 117 MP nominations and additional affiliate nominations, including from socialist societies. The result will be announced on Saturday, October 25, 2025.