UK ministers demand Simon Case's removal to restore authority
- Several cabinet ministers are urging Sir Keir Starmer to remove Simon Case, the top civil servant, to restore authority within the Labour government.
- Case has been accused of undermining the prime minister and leaking damaging information about chief of staff Sue Gray, leading to frustration among ministers.
- The ongoing infighting and scandals are threatening to overshadow the government's agenda, prompting calls for decisive action to regain focus.
In the wake of significant changes within the Labour government, several cabinet ministers are calling for the immediate removal of Simon Case, the cabinet secretary. Accusations against Case include undermining the prime minister and orchestrating off-the-record briefings that have negatively impacted chief of staff Sue Gray. This situation has led to a growing sense of urgency among ministers who believe that decisive action is necessary to restore authority and stability within the government. The tension surrounding Case has been exacerbated by his scheduled departure at the end of the year, which some ministers argue is too far off given the current turmoil. Insiders have expressed concerns that the ongoing infighting is distracting from the government's agenda, which includes crucial reforms in workers' rights and nationalizing rail services. The perception that Case's presence is detrimental to the government's effectiveness has prompted calls for immediate change. As the Labour government grapples with its new role after nearly 15 years in opposition, there is a palpable sense of frustration among ministers regarding the lack of alignment with the new government's objectives. Some believe that the civil service is not adequately prepared to support the Labour agenda, further complicating the situation. With the Labour conference ongoing, there is a consensus that the internal conflicts must be resolved swiftly to refocus on the government's priorities and ensure that the significant changes being proposed are not overshadowed by scandal and infighting.