Antonia Romeo Appointed as First Female UK Cabinet Secretary Amid Controversy
Published 19 February 2026
Highlights
- Dame Antonia Romeo has been appointed as the UK's first female cabinet secretary by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
- Romeo's appointment follows the departure of Sir Chris Wormald, who served as cabinet secretary for just 14 months.
- Despite past bullying allegations, Romeo was cleared by the Cabinet Office, and Starmer praised her professionalism and reformist reputation.
- Some former colleagues have criticized the appointment, citing concerns over past behavior and questioning the due diligence process.
- Romeo has held senior roles in various government departments and is known for her drive and focus on civil service reform.
-
Rewritten Article
Antonia Romeo Appointed as First Female UK Cabinet Secretary Amid Controversy
In a historic move, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has appointed Dame Antonia Romeo as the UK's first female cabinet secretary, the highest-ranking civil servant role. This appointment follows the recent departure of Sir Chris Wormald, who held the position for a brief 14 months. Romeo's appointment has sparked both praise and criticism, reflecting her complex legacy within the civil service.
A Historic Appointment
Dame Antonia Romeo's appointment marks a significant milestone in the 110-year history of the cabinet secretary role. Starmer lauded her as an "outstanding public servant" with a 25-year track record of effective leadership. He emphasized her ability to drive government reform, stating, "Antonia has shown she is the right person to support the government in this period of national renewal."
Controversy and Criticism
Despite her achievements, Romeo's appointment has not been without controversy. Allegations of bullying from her tenure as the UK's consul general in New York in 2017 have resurfaced. Although these claims were investigated and dismissed by the Cabinet Office, some former colleagues remain critical. Simon McDonald, a former senior civil servant, expressed concerns about the thoroughness of the due diligence process, suggesting that more scrutiny was needed.
A Reformist Reputation
Romeo is known for her reformist approach and has held senior positions across various government departments, including the Home Office, International Trade, and the Ministry of Justice. Her supporters highlight her dynamic leadership style and willingness to challenge civil service norms to achieve government objectives. However, critics argue that her focus on personal branding and impatience with junior staff have sometimes led to a perception of bullying.
A New Era for the Civil Service
Romeo's appointment comes at a time when the UK government is focused on addressing pressing issues such as the cost of living crisis and public service reform. As cabinet secretary, Romeo will play a crucial role in implementing policy decisions and ensuring the civil service operates efficiently and innovatively.
-
Scenario Analysis
The appointment of Dame Antonia Romeo as cabinet secretary could signal a shift towards a more reform-oriented civil service under Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership. Her focus on efficiency and innovation may lead to significant changes in how government departments operate. However, the lingering controversy over past allegations could pose challenges to her leadership, potentially impacting her ability to drive reform. If further scrutiny arises, it could lead to increased pressure on the government to ensure transparency and accountability in high-profile appointments. As the UK navigates complex domestic and international challenges, Romeo's leadership will be pivotal in shaping the future of the civil service.
In a historic move, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has appointed Dame Antonia Romeo as the UK's first female cabinet secretary, the highest-ranking civil servant role. This appointment follows the recent departure of Sir Chris Wormald, who held the position for a brief 14 months. Romeo's appointment has sparked both praise and criticism, reflecting her complex legacy within the civil service.
A Historic Appointment
Dame Antonia Romeo's appointment marks a significant milestone in the 110-year history of the cabinet secretary role. Starmer lauded her as an "outstanding public servant" with a 25-year track record of effective leadership. He emphasized her ability to drive government reform, stating, "Antonia has shown she is the right person to support the government in this period of national renewal."
Controversy and Criticism
Despite her achievements, Romeo's appointment has not been without controversy. Allegations of bullying from her tenure as the UK's consul general in New York in 2017 have resurfaced. Although these claims were investigated and dismissed by the Cabinet Office, some former colleagues remain critical. Simon McDonald, a former senior civil servant, expressed concerns about the thoroughness of the due diligence process, suggesting that more scrutiny was needed.
A Reformist Reputation
Romeo is known for her reformist approach and has held senior positions across various government departments, including the Home Office, International Trade, and the Ministry of Justice. Her supporters highlight her dynamic leadership style and willingness to challenge civil service norms to achieve government objectives. However, critics argue that her focus on personal branding and impatience with junior staff have sometimes led to a perception of bullying.
A New Era for the Civil Service
Romeo's appointment comes at a time when the UK government is focused on addressing pressing issues such as the cost of living crisis and public service reform. As cabinet secretary, Romeo will play a crucial role in implementing policy decisions and ensuring the civil service operates efficiently and innovatively.
What this might mean
The appointment of Dame Antonia Romeo as cabinet secretary could signal a shift towards a more reform-oriented civil service under Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership. Her focus on efficiency and innovation may lead to significant changes in how government departments operate. However, the lingering controversy over past allegations could pose challenges to her leadership, potentially impacting her ability to drive reform. If further scrutiny arises, it could lead to increased pressure on the government to ensure transparency and accountability in high-profile appointments. As the UK navigates complex domestic and international challenges, Romeo's leadership will be pivotal in shaping the future of the civil service.
