United Kingdom Public Servants have essentially been told to ‘keep calm and carry on’ amid the turmoil gripping their political masters.
However, Permanent Secretaries have warned that some work will have to be halted as a leadership contest to replace outgoing Prime Minister, Boris Johnson unfolds.
In an email to staff, Permanent Secretary of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Sarah Munby said: “This is close to business as usual.”
“We don’t expect radical new policy to be introduced unless required, but we do expect to continue to get on with the business of Government,” Ms Munby (pictured) said.
“I want to be clear this is not like a pre-election period where there are specific rules about what the Government can do.”
Ms Munby’s message echoed those being given to Public Servants by Heads of Departments across the Public Sector, seeking to reassure staff members and instruct them on how to proceed as the political upheaval continues.
Minister for the Environment, George Eustice told his staff to “roll up sleeves and keep going”, while newly-installed Minister for Levelling-up, Greg Clark made it clear he considered his role to be to hold the fort until a new Conservative leader was selected.
In a joint statement, Cabinet Office Secretary, Alex Chisholm and Downing Street Chief Operating Officer, Samantha Jones reiterated the message that the work of Government would continue.
“Ministers will continue to exercise their responsibilities and carry out their usual activities, and Civil Servants will also act accordingly,” the joint statement said.
“The Civil Service serves the Government of the day and we have a responsibility to ensure that the Government continues to run smoothly.”
London, 9 July 2022
