The Tories’ anger as Whitehall officials laid down their tools during the interim government
- Some officials are treating the next seven weeks as a “purdah” period, the ministers said
- One said officials believe some ministers “won’t be there forever”.
- This is particularly the case in departments where Boris Johnson’s team struggled to fill roles following the ministers’ strike that prompted his resignation
Angry ministers have accused officials of “knocking down tools” and not taking the interim government seriously.
Some officials are treating the next seven weeks as a “purdah” period leading up to a general election, ministers said.
This is especially the case in departments where Boris Johnson‘s team struggled to fill many roles after the mass ministerial strike that prompted his resignation.
The facade of the main Cabinet Office building on Whitehall Road, City of Westminster, central London. Some officials are treating the next seven weeks as a “purdah” period leading up to a general election, ministers said
The purdah rules during elections mean that any policy decisions on which a new government might have a different view should be postponed until after election day.
One minister said officials in some departments had “knocked down tools” because they believe some ministers “won’t be there forever”.
With more than 50 ministers resigning earlier this month, Downing Street has filled the positions to keep departments running while the Conservative Party conducts its leadership contest to select Mr Johnson’s replacement.
Sir Iain Duncan Smith, a former Tory party leader, accused officials who refused to work for the current government of being “unconstitutional” and “politically motivated”.
Sir Iain Duncan Smith, a former Tory party leader, accused officials who refuse to work for the current government of being “unconstitutional” and “politically motivated”.
He said the election of the leadership was an internal matter for the Conservative Party, adding: “This is not a time of purdah – it is unconstitutional to withdraw one’s work. It is not their job as officials to doubt what will happen in a month or two. Their job is to do as they are told until someone else replaces them there.
“Public service gets a bit cocky sometimes. I don’t think that’s a majority, but there are some who are politically motivated and think they can mess up this government.’
