The first question to be asked about this long charge sheet is why ministers have drawn it up at all. What is the strategic aim of attacking their staff? Take the criticisms of the two permanent secretaries. Reports suggest that Mr Devereux is being eased out because the Government’s pet scheme for Universal Credit is running behind, and has just been given a warning light by the new Major Projects Authority. Mr Stephens, who helped to oversee the Olympics, and who is leaving DCMS at the end of next month (but staying in Whitehall), is also said to have been pushed out by his current secretary of state, Maria Miller.