Some Tory members would see such a development as nothing less than an establishment coup: as a conspiracy of bad actors working together to win revenge for Brexit.
At a macro-level, it reinforces prudence and affordability. But at a micro-level, it can be an obstacle to speed, efficiency and innovation.
Civil servants drew up a scheme to transfer a lot of responsibility to the Civil Service. The new team may regret signing up to it.
Her u-turn on regional pay for the public sector shows how difficult it will be to take on the ‘Blob’ holding Britain back.
It has real democratic authority including with the Lords which might not be so inhibited from voting down new measures which didn’t feature in that manifesto.
Ministers really seem to have thought they could simply spend their way to high wages and stronger productivity.
Voters aren’t used to a world of rising prices and interest rates, and their hearts and minds are up for grabs.
The Northern Ireland Secretary adds that he wouldn’t “question her independence and determination to deliver a full and complete report.”
“The senior leadership at the centre, both political and official, must bear responsibility for this culture.”
The Government’s approach is unlikely to bring out the best from those upon whom it depends to get things done.
Though Sue Gray waits in the wings, carrying her scythe and lantern. Will we see her report next week?
The proposed reduction of the number of officials by 91,000 will not deliver the efficiencies, tax cuts, or headlines for which the Government hopes.
Provisional name: the Government Economic Intelligence and Strategy Service. Separated from the regular Civil Service in all respects.Sustained deliberation, but fast responses to calls for urgency. Ministers the only clients.