Michael Dugher MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office, commenting on today’s announcement by the Civil Service Commission that the Prime Minister will now be given a choice of candidates assessed as appointable for future Permanent Secretary appointments, said:

“This is a welcome move by the Civil Service Commission and one that Labour has been publicly calling for.

“The quality of the British Civil Service is second to none and this change will only make it more effective and accountable. 

“Of course it is right that there will be strict procedures in place and a rigorous merit-based assessment preceding the exercise of ministerial choice.  

“As well as this is important change, Labour has also been calling for further reforms to the Civil Service, including the need to address gaps in capabilities and skills and to make the Civil Service more diverse and representative of the society it exists to serve.”