Dr Jon Davis talks to the BBC about the resignation of Sir Gus O'Donnell
Dr Jon Davis on BBC News24
The School of History's Dr Jon Davis recently appeared on BBC News24 to discuss the departure of Sir Gus O'Donnell, a recent guest of the Mile End Group, from his role as head of the Civil Service. Dr Davis was asked to comment on he retirement of the outgoing Secretary to the Cabinet, his successor Jeremy Heywood and the decision to split the job three ways into a Cabinet Secretary, a Permanent Secretary to the Cabinet Office and a Head of the Home Civil Service. Dr Davis said that Sir Gus was a true mandarin having seamlessly served John Major, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and David Cameron and that though the last year had not been smooth - his leaked warning to the Treasury that they needed a 'Plan B' was unceremoniously slapped down - he retired with a huge reputation. Dr Davis also noted that Jeremy Heywood's reputation was one of a single-minded 'gripper' of policy and that his appointment in effect meant 'business as usual' at the centre.