Dame Antonia Romeo has been appointed Cabinet Secretary and head of the Civil Service, becoming the first woman to hold the post while facing renewed scrutiny over earlier allegations that were investigated and cleared
Dame Antonia Romeo has been named the United Kingdom’s new Cabinet Secretary and head of the Civil Service — the first woman to hold the country’s most senior civil service post. Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed her as an “outstanding public servant,” praising a long record of delivery and a determination to get things done.
Why she was chosen
Officials say the deciding factor in Dame Antonia’s appointment was operational experience: a proven ability to steer complex policy programmes and to co‑ordinate action across departments. She stepped into the job following Sir Chris Wormald’s departure after 14 months in the role, during a period of high political scrutiny over senior Downing Street appointments.
During the recruitment round, three senior officials had shared Cabinet Secretary responsibilities while the selection process was underway.
Career and track record
Dame Antonia brings extensive Whitehall experience to the post. Her career includes senior permanent secretary roles at the Department for International Trade, the Ministry of Justice and the Home Office, and she has led significant organisational change and large‑scale policy delivery programmes.
Colleagues and ministers point to that record as evidence she can lead the wider civil service machine and strengthen cross‑departmental coordination.
Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, publicly congratulated Dame Antonia and recalled working with her at both the Ministry of Justice and the Home Office. Cabinet Office officials also noted that Dame Antonia had been assessed and judged suitable in an earlier recruitment contest for this role.
Vetting questions and past allegations
Not everyone has welcomed the appointment without question. Media reports and some former diplomats have called for a fresh look at the vetting process, citing a 2017 episode from Dame Antonia’s time as consul‑general in New York that generated bullying‑related allegations. The Cabinet Office says those claims were investigated and that there was “no case to answer.” It has also stated an enhanced vetting process was carried out.
Accounts of what checks were done vary. Some participants in the selection process describe standard background checks and formal interviews; others say only informal inquiries took place. That discrepancy has prompted calls for greater transparency and prompted the Cabinet Office to reiterate its position as enquiries from news organisations continued.
Political reaction and public confidence
Senior figures across the political spectrum have urged clarity. Lord Simon McDonald, a former senior Foreign Office official, advised re‑examining the selection and warned against rushing. Opposition parties pushed for an immediate review of the decision‑making record, while government spokespeople insisted procedures were followed and suggested remaining disputes are about interpretation rather than omission.
The announcement arrives amid a wider shake‑up at the top of government: Sir Chris Wormald’s exit followed other high‑profile departures from the Prime Minister’s team, including the chief of staff and communications director. Opposition politicians seized on that instability to demand a renewed focus on public priorities such as the NHS and the cost‑of‑living crisis.
Dame Antonia’s own statement and what comes next
Dame Antonia has accepted the role and described it as a privilege to serve. She pledged to prioritise delivery, efficiency and innovation across departments and to work closely with ministers to implement the government’s agenda.
Expect scrutiny in the weeks ahead. Officials say transition planning will begin immediately, and further personnel announcements and briefings are likely. The Cabinet Office has also indicated it will consider any substantive new evidence that emerges and respond as necessary. Internally, attention will focus on rebuilding confidence within Whitehall and ensuring vetting and recruitment procedures meet the highest standards.
