Prime Minister Keir Starmer has appointed Antonia Romeo as Cabinet Secretary, making her the most senior civil servant in the UK. Romeo is the first woman in the 110-year history of the role. However, the decision has sparked controversy due to past allegations of bullying during her diplomatic service in New York. The appointment signals a desire for deep reform of the state's administrative structures.

Historic promotion of a woman

Antonia Romeo becomes the first woman in history to serve as Cabinet Secretary, ending 110 years</b of male dominance in this role.

Controversy over past

The appointment stirs emotions due to bullying allegations from 2017. Prime Minister Keir Starmer ignored these voices, betting on the effectiveness of the new head.

Reform of Whitehall structures

The government plans a deep overhaul of the administration. Romeo, seen as a disrupter, is to accelerate the implementation of the political goals of Starmer's cabinet.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has officially announced that Dame Antonia Romeo will take the helm of the British civil service. Romeo will replace Sir Chris Wormald, who was dismissed last week. This choice is historic, as for over a century the role has been held exclusively by men. The Prime Minister described the new secretary as an "outstanding public servant" and expressed confidence that her 25 years of experience will enable the smooth implementation of government priorities. Currently, Romeo serves as Permanent Secretary at the Home Office. Despite enthusiasm on Downing Street, the appointment has faced criticism from parts of the civil service. Some former colleagues of Romeo recall allegations concerning her management style from 2017, when she worked at the consulate in New York. At the time, there were reports of behavior bearing signs of bullying. However, Starmer decided to proceed with this move, even though he had previously, in December 2024, paused the decision precisely because of these controversies. Government sources suggest the Prime Minister was seeking a "disrupter" who is not afraid of radical changes in the Whitehall structure. The British civil service, known as Whitehall from the street where the main ministries are located, is based on principles of impartiality formalized in the 1854 Northcote-Trevelyan Report. Romeo's selection fits into the broader context of personnel changes around the Prime Minister following a series of high-profile departures of key advisors. The new head of administration is to be a guarantor of accelerating the implementation of the political goals of the Labour Party. Starmer is counting on her effectiveness in "rewiring" government systems, which is intended to respond to societal expectations of an efficient state. Her nomination is seen as a victory for the vision of Sue Gray, the Prime Minister's former advisor, who had long recommended Romeo for this position. „I am delighted to appoint Dame Antonia Romeo as the new Cabinet Secretary; she is an outstanding civil servant with vast experience.” — Keir Starmer 110 years — women had to wait to take up the highest office in the British civil service Changes at the top of UK administration: : → ; : → ; : →

Mentioned People

  • Antonia Romeo — Newly appointed head of the civil service, previously Permanent Secretary at the Home Office.
  • Keir Starmer — Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, who made the controversial personnel choice.
  • Chris Wormald — Previous Cabinet Secretary, dismissed before Romeo's appointment.
  • Sue Gray — Former civil servant and advisor to Starmer, who promoted Romeo's candidacy.