Former cabinet secretary, Lord Gus O’Donnell, recently expressed his belief that the £200,000 annual salary for the head of the civil service is “massively underpaid.” Lord O’Donnell, who is currently involved in the process of selecting Simon Case’s successor, made these comments during an interview on BBC Radio 4’s The Westminster Hour.
According to Lord O’Donnell, his own experience in the role, along with his subsequent higher-paying positions with less responsibility, have led him to this conclusion. The salary for senior civil servants, including the cabinet secretary, is determined based on recommendations from the independent Senior Salaries Review Body.
The cabinet secretary plays a crucial role as the senior policy adviser to the prime minister and is responsible for the effective functioning of the government. Simon Case, the current cabinet secretary, announced his resignation at the end of the year due to health reasons. This decision followed reported tensions between Mr. Case and Sir Keir’s chief of staff, Sue Gray, who also recently resigned.
Lord O’Donnell emphasized the importance of the new cabinet secretary having a strong relationship with the prime minister’s chief of staff. He cited his own tenure as cabinet secretary under Tony Blair, where he was known for mediating conflicts at the highest levels of government. Despite his retirement in 2011, Lord O’Donnell continues to be involved in public service and policy discussions.
In related news, Sue Gray, Sir Keir’s former chief of staff, will be taking on a new role within the government. Ms. Gray cited the intense scrutiny surrounding her position, including criticism of her salary exceeding that of the prime minister, as reasons for her decision to step down. She expressed her commitment to supporting the government’s ongoing work of implementing change.
The selection of a new cabinet secretary and the reshuffling of key government positions highlight the challenges and dynamics within the civil service. Lord O’Donnell’s comments shed light on the complexities of senior leadership roles in the government and the expectations that come with them. As the search for Simon Case’s successor continues, the importance of strong leadership and effective communication within the government remains paramount.