Number 10's plans to overhaul Whitehall's management of public services have been dealt a new blow, after the Cabinet Office revealed it was no closer to appointing a director of civil service reform than when it first advertised the post last year.
The MJ understands a key potential candidate for the post – who had wide-ranging experience of local government – recently withdrew their interest, leaving Whitehall devoid of senior candidates, despite launching into the search in 2011.
