Inside Briefing with the Institute for Government Keir Starmer rewires the state: An interview with the prime minister
Mar 13, 2025
Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the UK, discusses his bold plans to reform the civil service and abolish NHS England. He argues for a cultural shift in public service, empowering leaders and front-line staff to drive change. Alex Thomas, a civil service expert, offers insights on the urgent need for accountability and improved performance management. Gus O’Donnell, a former Cabinet Secretary, shares his perspective on navigating bureaucracy and emphasizes the importance of genuine reform over mere structural changes in government.
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Starmer's Digital File Anecdote
- Keir Starmer recounts his experience as chief prosecutor, highlighting his initial drive for change within the organization.
- He found that implementing changes, even simple ones like digitizing files, was surprisingly difficult due to bureaucratic processes.
Bureaucracy and Politicians
- Starmer suggests that bureaucratic hurdles often stem from politicians avoiding decisions.
- They create processes and consultations to defer responsibility.
Empowering Ministers for Change
- Empower ministers to make quick changes, fostering a cultural shift away from fearing responsibility.
- Drive technological advancements from the center to ensure speed and consistency.