UK’s top civil servant Simon Case announces resignation after ministers demanded his sacking

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inboxGet our free View from Westminster emailGet our free View from Westminster email

Cabinet secretary Simon Case has announced he will stand down at the end of this year on health grounds but only after ministers revealed they had told Keir Starmer he should be sacked.

The UK’s top civil servant, who was diagnosed with a neurological condition last year, said that “whilst the spirit remains willing, the body is not”.

But it came just days after a row broke out after The Independent revealed that ministers told Starmer to remove him immediately leading to protests by the trade union representing top civil servants.

One senior minister had accused Mr Case of “poisoning the well”.

In a letter announcing his decision to step down, he emphasised that the decision had nothing to do with reports he had been accused of failing to prevent leaks about donations from Lord Alli, as well as being accused of briefing against Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Sue Gray.

Cabinet Secretary Simon Case (James Manning/PA) (PA Wire)Mr Case said: “As many of you know, I have been undergoing medical treatment for a neurological condition over the last 18 months and, whilst the spirit remains willing, the body is not.

“It is a shame that I feel I have to spell this out, but my decision is solely to do with my health and nothing to do with anything else.”

Mr Case, who is also the head of the Civil Service, said it has been “an honour to serve two sovereigns, four Prime Ministers and over 120 Cabinet Ministers in this role.”

He wrote: “There have been far more ups than downs along the way and by far the greatest highlight has been the privilege of working with so many remarkable public servants, across the length and breadth of our country, in our overseas posts and with counterparts from our close allies and partners around the world.”

His successor will be appointed by the prime minister following a “full, open and transparent process”, Mr Case said.

More to follow…