UK cabinet secretary resigns as Epstein scandal engulfs Starmer's Downing Street

Britain's most senior civil servant, Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald, has left his post "by mutual agreement" as Prime Minister Keir Starmer scrambles to contain a widening political crisis. The announcement, made by the Cabinet Office on Thursday, comes as Downing Street reels from successive resignations and persistent questions over Starmer's judgment regarding appointments linked to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.

Third exit in a week

Wormald's departure represents at least the third major loss from Starmer's inner circle in recent days, following the resignations of the prime minister's chief of staff and communications director. The exodus has been triggered by intensifying scrutiny of Starmer's decision to appoint Lord Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the United States—a choice critics condemned as reckless given Mandelson's documented associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Lord Matthew Doyle, another Starmer appointee, has also faced questions over similar connections.

Mutual agreement or damage control?

In a carefully worded statement, Wormald said: "It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as a civil servant for the past 35 years, and a particular distinction to lead the service as Cabinet Secretary." He thanked colleagues across government. Starmer responded by expressing gratitude for Wormald's "long and distinguished career of public service," confirming the decision was mutually agreed. "I have agreed with him that he will step down as Cabinet Secretary today," Starmer said. Critics, however, view the departure as an attempt to project decisiveness rather than a genuine reset.

Mandelson-Epstein link proves toxic

The scandal shows no sign of abating. Starmer faces mounting pressure from opposition parties and members of his own Labour Party over why he proceeded with Mandelson's appointment despite clear warnings regarding the peer's Epstein associations. With Wormald's exit now adding to the sense of disarray, Starmer's pledge to restore integrity to British public life appears increasingly imperiled. A successor is expected imminently, with Home Office permanent secretary Dame Antonia Romeo tipped to become the first female cabinet secretary in UK history.