Whitehall has at times imperilled its reputation for neutrality, but there remains a positive ‘can-do’ attitude about Brexit. The Government should harness it.
Amidst the wreckage this morning, there are a few points of light. But that cackling noise you hear from Kensington is George Osborne laughing his head off.
The course consistent with this site’s recommendations is to appoint a more junior Cabinet Office Minister.
Any new First Secretary of State should not have further ambitions of their own. And it would be pointless in any event to make any such appointment honorary.
May needs to demonstrate that Whitehall is prepared – deal or no deal. Crossing one’s fingers and hoping for transition is not an alternative, or shouldn’t be.
The Office of American Innovation might never get going, given Trump’s chaotic style, but the concept is a good one.
Charged with managing Whitehall, trouble-shooting, clocking Sturgeon, and preparing government for Brexit, his workload would make lesser mortals crumble.
The Cabinet Office could provide the structure – while a new department would be a costly distraction.
Who should be the next Tory leader? And will you vote Leave or Remain?
Instructions given to civil servants contravene the Cabinet Manual, the Ministerial Code, the European Referendum Act 2015 and the precedent from 1975.
The voluntary sector needs pooled budgets, enhanced leadership and greater innovation – and thus follow the lead of the best in the private and public sectors.
The pastures of diversity stretch out before us in all their fullness.
Number 10, Matthew Hancock, the Whips, Ministers themselves: all must ensure that Sir Humphrey’s grip is loosened.
On polling day, we honour the unknown heroes of this government – the Special Advisers, without whom little of what has been done would have been done.
Last year, over a quarter of central government spend went to SMEs. That’s a huge, and probably unprecedented, £11.4 billion.