The Latest Breaking News from Whitehall

Labour on hiring spree across Whitehall in preparation for government

Exclusive: More than a dozen civil servants from different departments have moved to party in past 18 months

The Guardian - UK · Sep 24, 2023

‘This can only end badly’: Tories fear Sunak policy blitz is bound to fail

The prime minister has reset his party’s agenda with a wave of new initiatives. But is it a coherent strategy or a blind panic?

The Guardian - UK · Sep 24, 2023

Grant Shapps hints at change to HS2 plans amid £8bn cost shock

Defence secretary says it would be ‘irresponsible’ to finance scheme if cost soars

Evening Standard · Sep 23, 2023

Rishi Sunak’s leadership questioned as studies sow levelling up doubt

Two reports by influential think tanks have been critical of efforts to address regional inequalities.

The Independent UK · Sep 13, 2023

Britain’s international reputation damaged due to aid cuts and ‘rushed’ merger, says watchdog

It is nothing short of disastrous for those whose lives are supported by UK aid, charity says

The Independent UK · Sep 13, 2023

Aid cuts and department merger have harmed UK’s reputation, says watchdog

The Government added to external pressures on the development programme with political turbulence, budget reductions and Brexit, a report said.

The Independent UK · Sep 12, 2023

Shortage of cyber-security experts ‘should send chill down Government’s spine’

The civil service has fewer than half the number of data and technology professionals it needs, MPs have said.

The Independent UK · Sep 12, 2023

Sue Gray quickly gets stuck in as Keir Starmer’s chief of staff

Former civil servant offers morale boost and promises Labour staff she ‘has their back’

The Guardian - UK · Sep 9, 2023

No 10 rejects MPs’ plan to stop ministers putting friends on Whitehall boards

Tory MP William Wragg calls decision not to prevent ‘super-spads’ being made non-executive directors ‘disappointing’

The Guardian - UK · Sep 8, 2023

DfE accused of covering up crumbling concrete at Scottish school for months

Exclusive: Scottish government sources say they were kept in dark about evidence of decay at a private school in Perthshire

The Guardian - UK · Sep 6, 2023