Bernard Jenkin: This is how we restore public confidence in government

Sir Bernard Jenkin MP argues that restoring public confidence in government requires a comprehensive plan for Whitehall reform, focusing on leadership and culture rather than structural changes. He criticizes Prime Minister Andy Burnham's proposal to build up the centre and create a 'No. 10 North' as a gimmick. Jenkin emphasizes that successful large organizations prioritize culture over rule books, citing Warren Buffett and Peter Drucker. He notes that Whitehall has never seriously attempted culture-led change, and that restructuring departments without changing attitudes is futile. Jenkin announces a major research programme with Henley Business School to identify behaviors that promote state effectiveness and how leaders can oversee change. He calls for training and developing leaders who exemplify the desired culture, and warns that without serious political will and a multi-parliament commitment, reform efforts will fail like previous attempts since the 1968 Fulton Report.