PM Dismisses Cabinet Secretary on First Day in Office Amid CRAG Act Concerns

Newzerks

On the first day of the new government, Prime Minister WadgerBadger has dismissed the Cabinet Secretary, HenryWiggle the senior-most civil servant, over alleged mismanagement and unfair appointments under the previous interim Government, led by Megamasheens.

In an official statement, the Prime Minister said:

“Following a letter received by this Government earlier today regarding the appointment of the Cabinet Secretary by the previous Government… it is clear in my eyes that the Cabinet Secretary intentionally delayed the appointment or publication of interest for both a Chief Operating Officer of the Civil Service, and a Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Defence… in order to award the former to the former Prime Minister, and the latter to the former Defence Secretary, both of whom happen to be friends of the Cabinet Secretary.”

Downing Street also highlighted that the interim government “acquired permission… to temporarily suspend the CRAG Act, as it was an essential thing to kickstart the CS.” 

“Following a discussion with the Cabinet Secretary, it is clear that he was made aware of discrepancies with his treatment of legal procedure, whilst refusing to also elaborate as to why he was appointed on a permanent basis as Cabinet Secretary by my predecessor, without a fair and open competition being held, and without it being left to an elected Government,” the statement said.

Following the removal of HenryWiggle, the Prime Minister announced that he is looking for a new, experienced individual to fill in the now vacant position.

What is the CRAG Act?

The CRAG Act (Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010) is designed to ensure the government follows proper procedures for major decisions, including parliamentary approval of treaties. In this case, it is stated as evidence that the previous government bypassed legal safeguards to secure the permanent appointment of the Cabinet Secretary.

Why it matters

Civil service appointments are supposed to be neutral and based on merit, not friendships, like the PM alleged. Allegations of delaying appointments to favour friends of former ministers raise concerns about cronyism and the limits of interim government powers. 

Reactions from political figures

Do you believe HenryWiggle acted within the law during his tenure?

“HenryWiggle did act within the law during his tenure. There is no 'thinking' about it, the admins let him suspended CRAG so he was allowed to appoint experienced individuals to positions that needed filling. We needed the civil service up and running and he did that perfectly.

What are your thoughts on the PM’s allegations of cronyism?

Quite frankly it's a joke, it's the old 'fat cat' ritual all over again. Blame a group of people for your problems, despite the fact the people he's blaming are the only people that have made this group active. Henry has done so much good work, and the fact that Badger thinks he can sack a Cabinet Secretary just based on the fact he was holding senior civil service positions open for experienced individuals (a practice they use irl) is f***ing comical.”

The Lord Ludlow (LittleDragon) 

Former Interim PM:

“[Suspending CRAG] was an admin policy …I find [the cronyism allegations] rather insulting”