Prof Michael Kenny speaks to Tortoise Media about the Labour Government's changes to reduce spending and reshape parts of Whitehall.
As Labour announced changes to the welfare system on 18 March 2025, Prof Michael Kenny spoke to Tortoise Media about the government’s moves to reduce spending and reshape parts of Whitehall.
Asked if Labour will be different from those who have attempted such changes before, he said “yes”, for three reasons:
1/ In cutting quangos and regulators, the government is looking to give ministers greater control and “reclaim the space” when it comes to decisions.
2/ In rewiring the civil service, technological expertise will be spread broadly throughout Whitehall – Starmer is aiming for one in ten officials to be digital specialists – rather than sitting in a siloed service.
3/ Rhetoric aside, Labour is treading a path that reforms the state without waging a war on it, while restoring public trust in politics and political institutions.
The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the Bennett Institute for Public Policy.
