The highest government official in the United Kingdom resigns from office

The resignation of Britain's top civil servant Chris Wormald deepens the crisis surrounding Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Wormald agreed with the prime minister to step down as cabinet secretary, becoming the third senior member of the team to leave in a short period of time.

Political tensions were sparked in particular by the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US, which reopened questions about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Despite growing criticism, including calls from the Scottish branch of the Labour Party, Starmer refuses to resign. Wormald described his 35-year career in public service as an honor, and the prime minister thanked him for his support over the past year.

However, his departure appears to be part of a broader government reshuffle as it faces declining popularity and pressure from the right-wing Reform UK.

(reuters, pir)