William’s ex-secretary in plum role

A former private secretary to the Duke of Cambridge is reportedly set to be named the UK’S new top civil servant.

Simon Case, who was made permanent secretary at 10 Downing Street earlier this year, will be announced as the Cabinet Secretary today, it has been reported.

Mr Case spent almost two years working as William’ s right-hand man before temporarily moving to Number 10 earlier this year to assist with the coronavirus response.

His expected promotion to Cabinet Secretary comes after Sir Mark Sedwill announced he would step down from the post amid reports of clashes with Boris Johnson’s chief adviser Dominic Cummings.

Government sources declined to comment on the reports, but a formal announcement is expected to be made today.

A Cabinet Office spokesman said: “An official announce - men ton the new Cabinet Secretary will be made on Tuesday 1 September .”

Sir Mark is among a series of senior civil servants to be eased out in recent months, including Jonathan Slater, the most senior civil servant in the Department for Education.