Keir Starmer has appointed Antonia Romeo as cabinet secretary, the UK’s most senior civil servant.
Romeo, the first woman to hold the post in the role’s 110-year history, has been a key figure behind the scenes in multiple government departments including spells as permanent secretary at the Home Office, International Trade and the Ministry of Justice.
The civil servant, who is currently the longest-serving permanent secretary in government, faced multiple bullying complaints earlier in her career but government sources said an independent investigation had found there was “no case to answer”
Starmer called her “an outstanding public servant, with a 25‑year record of delivering for the British people and said he had been impressed by her professionalism and determination to get things done.
“Families across the country are still feeling the squeeze, and this government is focused on easing the cost of living, strengthening public services and restoring pride in our communities. It is essential we have a Cabinet Secretary who can support the government to make this happen,” he said. “Antonia has shown she is the right person to drive the government to reform and I look forward to working with her to deliver this period of national renewal.”
Romeo said it was “a huge privilege” to become the head of the civil service. “The Civil Service is a great and remarkable institution, which I love. We should be known for delivery, efficiency and innovation, working to implement the Government’s agenda and meet the challenges the country faces,” she said.
She has previously faced accusations of bullying related to her time as consul-general in New York in 2017, but was cleared by the Cabinet Office.
More to follow…
