Full Breakdown
Treasury employee’s death prompts criticism and promises of reform
8/26/2026, 9:43:24 PM
Core event and coroner findings
On 19 May 2025 Chloe Moffat, 26, a personal assistant to a Treasury director, attended what she believed was a routine one-to-one with her line manager. A senior manager was also present. The meeting turned into an allegation session in which she was accused of sharing confidential information—a claim she denied. The coroner’s inquest, concluded in August, determined that the Treasury failed to apply its written disciplinary policy, which would have limited any sanction to a written warning. The coroner found the meeting “materially contributed” to Moffat’s death, which occurred on 20 May the following year.
Treasury response
A Treasury spokesperson expressed sympathy, stating, “The Treasury's deepest sympathies continue to be with Chloe's friends and family, and the department continues to mourn our colleague.” The permanent secretary, James Bowler, wrote to Moffat’s parents in early May and met with them in August to discuss actions the department is taking.
Family’s criticism
He described the lack of support as “beggars belief” for an organisation at the centre of government.
Verbatim quotes
- “Chloe's first comment was, 'Oh, this must be serious, there's two of you here'” — August. David
- “Even though she asked, they said they could not determine the outcome,” — August. David
- “That was all part of the shock and awe of it all for Chloe,” — August. David
- “The Treasury's deepest sympathies continue to be with Chloe's friends and family, and the department continues to mourn our colleague.” — The Treasury, spokesperson
