Mandarins oppose 'dangerous' civil service shake-up The political staff, likely to be headed by a chief of staff, would be appointed by each Cabinet minister and therefore accountable to them. The plans for a shake up are set to be announced today as part of the next stage of the Civil Service reforms. However, the plans already face opposition with the FDA, which represents the 3,500-strong senior civil servants, claiming the move would undermine Civil Service impartiality. Dave Penman, FDA general secretary. It is a much more dangerous step than people think. It will be much more difficult for the staff to serve the next minister or the next Government. I think this is blatant politicisation of the Civil Service. Sir David Normington, the First Civil Service Commissioner, who is responsible for making Civil Service appointments, has also voiced his opposition. Some MPs who have called for a move to the US style system where thousands are dismissed with a change of presidency, may believe that the plans do not go far enough. The IPPR, a left of centre think-tank, was commissioned look investigate other administration and concluded that the Australian and Canadian models, where about 400 to 600 government appointments are political, were more suitable for Westminster. Nick Herbert, former minister for the police, said: "This isn't about politicising the Civil Service. It's about being able to bring in people with the necessary expertise.