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Britain's most senior government official stands down

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on February 12, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: February 12, 2026

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LONDON, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Britain's most senior government official, Chris Wormald, agreed with Prime Minister Keir Starmer to stand down, the third member of his team to go in a matter of days after

Britain's most senior government official stands down

Resignation of Senior Government Official

LONDON, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Britain's most senior government official, Chris Wormald, agreed with Prime Minister Keir Starmer to stand down, the third member of his team to go in a matter of days after the appointment of Peter Mandelson as U.S. ambassador threw the government into crisis.

Prime Minister's Statement

"I am very grateful to Sir Chris for his long and distinguished career of public service, spanning more than 35 years, and for the support that he has given me over the past year," Starmer said in a statement on Thursday.

Background on Chris Wormald

"I have agreed with him that he will step down as Cabinet Secretary today," he added.

(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti; editing by James Davey)

Key Takeaways

  • Chris Wormald resigns as Britain's top government official.
  • His resignation follows Peter Mandelson's appointment as U.S. ambassador.
  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer expresses gratitude for Wormald's service.
  • Wormald's departure is the third in recent days.
  • The UK government faces a significant crisis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a resignation?
A resignation is the formal act of leaving a position or office, typically involving a written notice to the employer or governing body, indicating the individual's intention to step down from their role.

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