Downing Street is aiming to formally launch the search for a new cabinet secretary within the next month, driven by frustration with the current officeholder, Simon Case.

Appointed under Boris Johnson, Case intends to leave in the new year due to health concerns.

However, the absence of a formal announcement has delayed the process.

Since Labour's assumption of power and Keir Starmer's transition, expectations have grown for a change in this top role.

Cabinet secretary candidates include Oliver Robbins, former Brexit negotiator, and Sharon White, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership.

Internal contenders are Antonia Romeo from the Ministry of Justice and Jeremy Pocklington from the Department for Energy and Net Zero.

No 10 sources prefer an open competition for the role, historically held only by white men.

Robbins is considered a favorite but might be slated as the national security adviser after Starmer overturned a previous appointment by Rishi Sunak.