Reform UK government would replace top civil servants with policy ‘believers’

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Peter Walker Senior political correspondentMarch 14, 2026 at 07:00 PM

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Reform UK plans to replace the top civil servant in each government department with individuals deemed more aligned with the party's policy priorities if they gain power. Senior Reform figures believe current permanent secretaries are not performing adequately. This plan, modeled after the second Trump administration, aims to implement change through executive orders. Critics warn this politicization of the civil service could lead to a loss of expertise and governmental instability. While Reform UK has received significant donations, donors are unlikely to be considered for ministerial roles. The party is expanding its policy teams in preparation for government, with Nigel Farage currently focused on upcoming elections.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Dave Penman 40% FDA 40% House of Lords 40% House of Commons 40% United States 40% Christopher Harborne 50% United Kingdom 60% Donald Trump 60% Nigel Farage ×270% Reform UK ×690%

Keywords

civil service 100% reform uk 90% politicised civil service 80% policy believers 70% institutional memory 60% executive orders 60% nigel farage 50% government department 50% political appointments 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative

Score: -0.40

Source Transparency

Source

The Guardian - World News

Political Lean

Center-Left (-0.40)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

United Kingdom

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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civil service reform uk politicised civil service policy believers institutional memory executive orders nigel farage government department political appointments

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