PM must ensure Civil Service is not hollowed out after Sedwill's departure

Responding to news that Sir Mark Sedwill has confirmed he will stand down as Cabinet Secretary, National Security Adviser and Head of the Civil Service in September, Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said:

"Boris Johnson is clearly ready to grant Cummings his every wish when it comes to politicising the civil service and sweeping out those who may try to hold his Government to account.

"Sedwill's departure threatens to introduce yet more instability into the Civil Service at a time when it is already stretched to breaking point by the COVID-19 crisis, the largest economic downturn in living memory and the imminent threat of a no-deal Brexit.

"The Prime Minister must be absolutely clear about any further plans for Civil Service reform, and must guarantee full Parliamentary scrutiny of these. Our world-class Civil Service fulfils a vital role - we cannot afford to see it hollowed out."