Reform UK Outlines Plans to Abolish Cabinet Office and Cut Civil Service Roles

Danny Kruger, the MP for East Wiltshire who leads Reform UK's preparing for government unit, published the party's plans for restructuring central government on May 23, 2026. The proposals target the Cabinet Office and senior civil service roles. Kruger stated that the party would abolish the Cabinet Office and the position of cabinet secretary.

The office, established in 1916, now employs 11,000 staff, more than twice its size in 2010.

In place of the Cabinet Office, Reform UK would create an Office of the Prime Minister led by a political chief of staff appointed by the prime minister. A new Department of the Civil Service would be established to oversee reductions in back-office functions.

The party estimates that AI could halve the need for administrative staff and plans cuts of at least 50 percent in communications, HR, and policy roles. A business leader experienced in organizational turnarounds would head the new department.

UK also proposes higher salaries for top performers, performance-related bonuses, and increased direct recruitment from the private sector. Ministers would gain greater authority to hire and fire senior civil servants. The party intends to abolish or absorb most quangos into government departments.

Kruger said the changes aim to make officials more accountable while preserving the ability of civil servants who want to serve effectively.