Diamond Steps Down as UK Statistics Chief

The UK Statistics Authority has announced the resignation of the country's National Statistician Sir Ian Diamond, due to ongoing health issues. He was halfway through a second five-year term leading the organisation, and will be replaced on an interim basis by Emma Rourke.

The National Statistician is the Authority's CEO, Permanent Secretary at the ONS, and Head of the Government Statistical Service. Sir Ian (pictured) was appointed to the post in 2019, following which the Authority developed and launched a five-year strategy, 'Statistics for the Public Good'. He led the UK's official statistical system and the Government Analysis Function through the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the delivery of the 2021 Census in England & Wales, achieving a 97% overall response rate. He was appointed for a second term in March 2023, and was due to complete this on 31st March 2028.

In a statement, Sir Ian said: 'The next phase of delivery for the ONS will continue to require energetic leadership, including overseeing the implementation of the Devereux Review findings. Unfortunately, I have made the decision that, due to ongoing health issues, I am unable to give the commitment to the role of National Statistician that I would like to and feel that it is the right time for somebody else to pick up the baton. I wish the ONS every success as it continues to make progress into the future.' Rourke is currently Deputy National Statistician for Health, Population and Methods, and will step up with immediate effect, pending longer term arrangements being put in place.

The Authority's Chair Sir Robert Chote said: 'I thank Sir Ian for the tireless energy and passionate dedication he has brought to the role of National Statistician and to championing the vital role of statistics across society more broadly. He has overseen many successes over his tenure during a remarkable period of economic and societal change, particularly during the pandemic.

'Emma Rourke will be acting up in his place and I know she will continue to drive forward the ONS with a renewed focus on high quality economic and population statistics for the public good as set out last month in the 2025/26 ONS Strategic Business Plan.'

Web site: www.statistics.gov.uk .