UK Civil Service Appointments Under Scrutiny: Labour’s Hiring Practices Investigated

The Civil Service Commission, the UK’s watchdog for civil service appointments, is conducting an independent review of recent hires made under the Labour government. The review was prompted by allegations of cronyism, with concerns raised about the appointment of individuals with close ties to the Labour Party to senior positions within the civil service. The commission is requesting data on appointments made by exception to standard recruitment principles, focusing on those made during July and August of this year. This data will inform the review, which aims to ensure that all appointments are made on merit and through fair and open competition. The review comes at a time when Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has faced criticism over alleged cronyism within his government, including the appointment of Lord Alli, a long-time Labour donor, to a temporary role with a Downing Street pass. Sir Keir has defended these appointments, stating they are about having ‘the right people in the right places.’