The top adviser to United Kingdom Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, Dominic Cummings (pictured), says he will leave the Government by Christmas.
The often controversial Mr Cummings, who engineered the successful campaign for the country to leave the European Union (Brexit), has also been Mr Johnson’s lead adviser of Public Service reform.
His departure comes after a high-profile squabble between his ally, Lee Cain, Mr Johnson’s Director of Communications, and other influential figures including the incoming Prime Ministerial spokesperson, Allegra Stratton and Mr Johnson’s girlfriend, Carrie Symonds, a former Conservative Party communications official.
His departure is expected to ease the path to an agreement with the EU on a trade deal, and is likely to influence the way in which the Government’s Public Service reform plans are developed and communicated.
Mr Cummings has long criticised key aspects of the Public Service, pushing a model under which political leaders would have much more say in senior appointments.
Since Mr Johnson came to Government, a number of top officials have been forced out, while political allies of the Prime Minister have been brought into top jobs under the public appointments system.
Earlier this month, Commissioner for Public Appointments, Peter Riddell warned in a letter that “some at the centre of Government” want to “tilt the competition system in their favour to appoint their allies”.
Following Mr Cummings’ exit, the messaging around Public Service reform is likely to soften.
The adviser has an abrasive style, and has consistently used leaks to friendly press to get information out.
However, reform planning will continue: Not only do leading officials recognise that the Public Service needs to change, but the agenda has firm support from Minister for the Cabinet Office, Michael Gove.
London, 15 November 2020
