Sir Chris Wormald takes Lords seat after pocketing £860k payout for just 14 months as cabinet secretary

From the Newshound archive · first published 19 September 2026.

The payout — one of the largest ever handed to a departing senior civil servant — triggered outrage over the rewards available to Whitehall's elite. Wormald now joins the upper chamber, giving him a further platform in public life despite his brief and costly stint at the top.

Critics warn the appointment exposes the cosy revolving door between the senior civil service and the Lords.

Wormald's swift elevation hands fresh ammunition to those demanding root-and-branch reform of Whitehall pay and honours.