A Reform government would aim to save £100 million a year by shutting costly government offices and moving civil servants back to Whitehall, the party will announce. Danny Kruger, who left the Conservatives to join Reform in September, is expected to pledge a “dramatic” reduction in the size of the Civil Service and introduce measures to make it easier for ministers to dismiss underperforming officials. The plans form part of what he describes as a major overhaul of Whitehall, involving the recruitment of external specialists to senior roles and the privatisation of key services, which could lead to thousands of job losses.
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In a speech in London, Mr Kruger will argue that while the Civil Service has expanded significantly since Brexit, now exceeding 500,000 employees, it is too soon for the party to commit to a specific target for reductions. However, he will promise that savings of £100 million a year can be achieved by allowing office leases in London to expire and consolidating staff back in Whitehall. A new Civil Service Code would also be introduced to reinforce that officials are directly accountable to ministers rather than permanent secretaries.
“We are putting the Civil Service on notice that under a Reform government we expect headcount to fall – dramatically,” Mr Kruger will say. “Britain does not need half a million civil servants. Many roles can be automated, productivity can be improved, and responsibilities can be devolved to local authorities, civil society and the private sector.” He will add that the Civil Service must “accept the mandate” Reform hopes to secure at the next general election. Citing lessons from previous administrations, he will highlight Sir Tony Blair and David Cameron as leaders who entered office with a clear vision and prepared legislation.
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Mr Kruger will argue that Reform intends to “make Whitehall, Whitehall again” by restoring the Civil Service to its traditional base. He will note that many government office leases are due for renewal in the next Parliament, which offers the opportunity to close sites and avoid unnecessary spending. “A Reform government will not renew these leases,” he will say. “That alone represents about £100 million in annual savings – around half a billion pounds over a five-year term.”
