Top civil servant sues Starmer as Spire chair quits over £1bn takeover

A top civil servant has launched a legal challenge against Sir Keir Starmer after being sacked by the prime minister, while the chair of Spire, Cheshire, has resigned as a £1bn takeover of the healthcare firm looms. The legal action, confirmed by Sky News, comes after the former foreign office boss was dismissed from his role. Separately, Spire's chair stepped down as the company prepares for a potential acquisition worth £1bn. The developments, both disclosed this week, highlight a period of upheaval at senior levels in Whitehall and the corporate sector.