High-profile civil servant receives record payoff after dismissal
A former senior civil servant, Sir Chris Wormald, received a record £860,000 as a severance payment after being dismissed by Sir Keir Starmer, reports BritPanorama.
Wormald’s departure, after serving just 14 months as the country’s most senior mandarin, occurred in February 2025 amid efforts by Starmer to regain control of his government. The severance package included £332,897, with an additional £526,598 reflecting the abrupt nature of the exit.
This substantial financial settlement required approval from the Cabinet Office’s permanent secretary, Cat Little. It was noted that this amount exceeded what Wormald was contractually entitled to, given the circumstances of his dismissal from such a prominent role.
Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, remarked at the time that Wormald had become a scapegoat in the political turmoil, suggesting he had been “thrown under the bus.” Little stated that the payment was deemed necessary for propriety and value for money, necessitating “ministerial direction” for such a high figure.
The approval process saw Sir Keir Starmer ultimately authorize the payment, despite the concerns surrounding its magnitude. John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, expressed outrage over the hefty severance, emphasizing public dissatisfaction with such payouts, especially amid inconsistent standards and calls for a review of public sector exit payment policies.
The Cabinet Office maintained its stance of not commenting on HR matters, while highlighting that the payment was sanctioned by a ministerial directive from the then prime minister.
This incident raises pertinent questions about the management of public funds and the implications of high-profile civil service departures, particularly in times of political reorganization.
As the UK navigates a complex socio-political landscape, ensuring accountability and transparency in government financial decisions will be crucial for maintaining public trust.
