UK Cabinet Secretary Simon Case to Resign Due to Health Issues Amidst a Turbulent Tenure

Simon Case, the UK's leading bureaucrat, has decided to step down from his position. He informed his colleagues that he is suffering from a neurological condition, explaining that although he is mentally prepared to continue, his physical health is preventing him

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Monday, September 30, 2024, 6:

Simon Case, the leader of the civil service, has declared his intention to step down from his position at the year's end due to health reasons.

The 45-year-old cabinet secretary disclosed in a letter to colleagues that for the past 18 months, he has been receiving treatment for a neurological condition.

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He expressed: "Although the mind is eager, the flesh is weak."

"It's regrettable that I need to clarify this, but my choice is entirely based on my health concerns and not related to any other factors."

Mr. Case resumed his duties in January following a two-month medical leave, marking the first occasion he has openly shared specifics about his illness.

In September 2020, he was named cabinet secretary by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, becoming the highest-ranking civil servant in the UK.

Throughout his tenure, he has consistently made news, particularly with the latest stories about conflicts at the core of Number 10 involving Mr. Case and Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Sue Gray.

Mr. Case played a significant role in the COVID inquiry, where disclosed messages showed he frequently expressed frustration with the Johnson administration. He referred to the former leader’s closest advisors as "essentially wild" and implied that Johnson’s wife, Carrie, was "the actual power behind the throne".

In his communication with fellow staff, Mr. Case acknowledged the challenging times during his tenure as head, stating, "It has been a privilege to work under two monarchs, four prime ministers, and more than 120 Cabinet ministers in this capacity."

He continued, "The journey has been predominantly positive, with the most significant highlight being the honor of collaborating with numerous outstanding public servants nationwide, at our international stations, and alongside representatives from our allied and partner nations globally."

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Dave Penman, the chief of the FDA union that includes civil servants among its members, honored Mr. Case on X, noting that "few can fully grasp the obstacles" he encountered.

He mentioned, "Amidst all the turmoil, he managed to guide a fair and enduring civil service, despite battling personal health issues. Truly, a dedicated public servant."

Prospect union's General Secretary Mike Clancy expressed a grave concern, emphasizing the need for the successor of Mr. Case to rejuvenate Whitehall's reputation as a premier public service, while criticizing the previous administration for causing a significant erosion of trust between the cabinet and the civil service, unprecedented in its scale.

The resignation letter stated that Sir Keir Starmer is set to name Mr. Case's replacement after a thorough and clear selection procedure, to be conducted by the First Civil Service Commission.

The advertisement for the position, which offers a salary of £200,000 annually, is currently available online.

Prior to his role as cabinet secretary, Mr. Case held the position of permanent secretary at 10 Downing Street.

He formerly served as a personal aide to the individual who was at that time the Duke of Cambridge, now known as the Prince of Wales.

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