Simon Case, the cabinet secretary, has formally announced that he will stand down as the UK’s most senior civil servant at the end of the year.
In an email to the civil service, Case, who has served four prime ministers, said that he will go at the end of the year.
He said: “As many of you know, I have been undergoing medical treatment for a neurological condition over the last 18 months and, whilst the spirit remains willing, the body is not.
“It is a shame that I feel I have to spell this out, but my decision is solely to do with my health and nothing to do with anything else.”
His long-planned departure comes after a turbulent few weeks for the Downing Street operation marked by damaging leaks and internal rows, and could give Keir Starmer an opportunity for a reset.
The job advert for his replacement will go live on Monday, with names including the former John Lewis chief Sharon White and the Ofcom chief, Melanie Dawes, both thought to be in the frame.
More details soon …
