By A. Mc
WANTED—chief executive to transform bureaucratic organization prone to political buffeting and infighting. Tenure of previous incumbent: less than three years. The most significant shift of the reshuffle on July 16th was not the reorganisation of premier-league ministers, nor the advance of the 2010 parliamentary intake and more women to prominent ministerial positions, but the departure of Sir Bob Kerslake as head of the domestic civil service. He later tweeted that he was enjoying a night at a jazz club—“Relaxing end to a tough week”.
In Sir Bob’s place, Mr Cameron wants to hire a figure with business experience who can work across departments and finesse and accelerate reforms. Most of all, the prime minister would like to avoid the kind of chaos that resulted when a convoluted health and social care bill and a welfare overhaul became mired in difficulties. But this is not the first time such an aspiration has been aired.
