Pages

Sunday, 26 October 2025

Whitehall chaos



‘Woke’ policies are fuelling Whitehall chaos, says Lord Case


Woke staff networks and an “obsession” with officials’ feelings are fuelling the chaos at the Home Office, the former head of the civil service has warned.

Lord Case said mandarins at the department were “obstructive” towards government policies and more interested in “how they cover their backs” than outcomes.

Writing for The Telegraph, he said Shabana Mahmood, the new Home Secretary, would have to “face down” internal opposition to cut immigration...

“Bring your whole self to work was the mantra brought into the civil service in the 2000s that has clung on, limpet-like, as a charter for woke networks and obstructive behaviours towards government policy.


Really? I thought one of the problems was "Keep your whole self at home." Another was "Let your whole self have a few days off sick."

Too cynical perhaps, but this culture problem isn't likely to be resolved by a failed political administration under Keir Starmer. If he goes, as he should, then there will be more upheaval to postpone dealing with Whitehall chaos - as Whitehall bods already know.

4 comments:

DiscoveredJoys said...

No matter how determined Shabana Mahmood is she will make no progress while Starmer is indifferent about immigration (one in, one out is a minimal goal) and the deputy wants him to take a still softer line.

And that's if Shabana Mahmood has any real determination.

A K Haart said...

DJ - I don't think Shabana Mahmood has any real determination, it's just an act. What isn't so clear is whether they don't believe in borders anyway or they don't intend to tackle an issue they can't resolve. That would be much like Tony Blair's dictum of not entering battles you can't win.

Peter MacFarlane said...

"...an “obsession” with officials’ feelings..."

Yet another manifestation of the universal feminisation of everything.

A K Haart said...

Peter - yes, it's been a disaster.