Sir Ian Diamond, the UK’s National Statistician and Chief Executive of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), has stepped down from his role citing health reasons, marking the end of a tumultuous tenure. Diamond, who has led the ONS since October 2019, was reappointed for a second term in April 2023, set to run until March 2028. His resignation comes as the ONS faces growing scrutiny over its data quality and relevance, with critics branding the organisation as increasingly ineffective.
During his leadership, Diamond oversaw significant projects, including the 2021 Census in England and Wales, which achieved a 97% response rate, and the rapid establishment of the COVID-19 Infection Survey. However, the ONS has been criticised for inconsistent data, particularly on health-related economic inactivity, which Diamond himself defended in February 2025 as aligning with NHS and Department for Work and Pensions figures. The agency reported a rise in economic inactivity due to ill health, reaching 2.8 million by late 2024, up from 2.1 million in 2019. Yet, detractors argue the ONS has struggled to adapt to modern data demands, with some calling its outputs unreliable or outdated.
Diamond’s departure follows a controversial exit from his previous role as Principal of the University of Aberdeen in 2018, where he faced backlash over a £119,000 payoff, raising questions about his suitability for the ONS role. Critics, including trade union leaders, have long argued that his appointment was marred by a lack of transparency.
The ONS, tasked with providing critical data to inform government policy and public understanding, now faces an uncertain future. Diamond’s resignation highlights deeper challenges within the organisation, with calls growing for a leadership overhaul and a rethink of its approach to data collection and analysis. As the UK grapples with economic and social shifts, the next National Statistician will inherit a pivotal yet troubled institution.
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