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Patrick Diamond

Patrick Diamond

Independent

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What Mandelson vetting row reveals about escalating tensions between ministers and civil servants

What Mandelson vetting row reveals about escalating tensions between ministers and civil servants

Ties between ministers and civil servants have atrophied.

23.04.2026 10

The Conversation

Patrick Diamond

Why Rachel Reeves chose to disappoint voters with her budget

The political calculations that explain Labour’s tax and spend budget.

28.11.2025 9

The Conversation

Patrick Diamond

Why have relations between civil servants and ministers turned so sour – and can they be repaired?

Ministers and civil servants used to work hand in glove, but that relationship has steadily eroded since the 1980s.

06.11.2025 5

The Conversation

Patrick Diamond

Keir Starmer’s civil service reforms: what is mission-led government and why is it so hard to achieve?

Major civil service change is in the air, but the government shouldn’t underestimate the scale of the challenge.

14.03.2025 9

The Conversation

Patrick Diamond