Former official Sir Olly Robbins is challenging his sacking, arguing the decision was irrational, lacked proper procedure, and exceeded statutory authority.

Reports from Whitehall and the House of Commons suggest a hollowed-out executive branch lacking legislative ambition or central coordination. Analysts are questioning whether this institutional drift signals a decline in the post-war governing model.

The Treasury removed numerical and verbal reasoning assessments from its graduate recruitment process to improve candidate diversity. These changes have drawn criticism from political figures who question the potential impact on hiring standards.