Isabel Hardman Isabel Hardman

DCMS permanent secretary Jonathan Stephens to leave post

Jonathan Stephens, permanent secretary at the Culture, Media and Sport department, has today announced he is moving on, after a cross-Whitehall effort to shift him, I have learned.

Stephens, who James reported at the weekend was looking ripe for a move, announced his departure in an internal email to staff this afternoon. I understand he is moving to a behind-the-scenes role in another part of Whitehall. He was one of the last hangers-on from the Blair government, along with Sir Nicholas Macpherson at the Treasury, having worked at DCMS since 2006.

His departure means DCMS can appoint a permanent secretary who those involved in Whitehall reform hope will help shoulder the department’s heavy burden more effectively.

Comments