How depressing that the Labour party seems so bereft of ideas that all it can do as a new government is to castigate the civil service for its lacklustre performance (Starmer may view Whitehall reform as essential to his missions, 6 December). What does Labour expect? Any new manager worth their salt knows that it takes time and effort to motivate an understandably demoralised and paranoid workforce. If criticism is due, it should be made privately and with some understanding.
What the civil service needs desperately is clearly thought out policies and a commitment to change, while knowing support will be there when this is inevitably challenged. This is where Keir Starmer and his ministers’ focus and energy should be directed, and it is concerning that this is taking such a long time coming. There is no quick fix, and turning to short-term populism is dangerous. It will not help their cause.
Shirley Osborn
Kibworth, Leicestershire
