Catherine Little, a senior civil servant, delivered a frustratingly evasive testimony to a select committee investigating the Peter Mandelson appointment as US Ambassador. This has highlighted a culture of obstruction and a lack of transparency within Whitehall.

Whitehall Under Scrutiny

The select committee hearing featured Catherine Little, a highly-ranked civil servant within the Cabinet Office. Unlike the fictional Sir Humphrey Appleby, known for subtle manipulation, Little’s testimony was described as unhelpful and evasive.

Evasive Tactics and Lack of Transparency

Committee members expressed frustration with Little’s performance, characterizing it as ‘cold as a clenched mollusc’ and yielding little substantive information. Her responses focused heavily on procedure, documentation, and avoiding potentially compromising statements.

Little repeatedly invoked ‘judgment processes,’ ‘departmental protocols,’ and ‘legal policy propriety advice’ – bureaucratic jargon used to deflect direct questioning. She often signaled a desire to end questioning with negative head nods and a consistent refusal to ‘comment’ on crucial details.

Concerns Over the Appointment Process

A particularly striking revelation was the absence of any written record documenting the decision to appoint Lord Mandelson to the ambassadorship. This suggests a lack of transparency and potentially improper handling of the process.

The presentation radiated a sense of inertia, with Little appearing to prioritize protecting herself and the established order over providing honest answers. Her initial patronizing tone devolved into a monotone delivery, suggesting she was under duress.

Systemic Issues and Leadership Impact

The affair is demonstrably eroding trust in the civil service and is damaging Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership. This is the second instance this week where a senior civil servant has exhibited extreme caution when questioned about the Mandelson appointment.

Little’s history of similar evasive behavior in previous select committee appearances, including her time at the Ministry of Defence, suggests this is a deeply ingrained pattern. The author suggests the system rewards opacity and self-preservation.

The appointment of Peter Mandelson has exposed a systemic problem within the civil service – a reluctance to be held accountable. The author concludes that the current situation is unsustainable and that the new Cabinet Secretary, Dame Antonia Romeo, should be concerned about the limitations of her deputy.