Romeo announced as first female head of civil service

Sir Keir Starmer has appointed Dame Antonia Romeo as Britain's first female cabinet secretary and head of the civil service.

- ATHENA STAVROU

The appointment, which has been rumoured for weeks, comes after allegations emerged that Dame Antonia was previously spoken to about her management style. She had faced claims of bullying relating to her time as consul general in New York in 2017, but was later cleared by the Cabinet Office following an inquiry.

Dame Antonia, who is currently permanent secretary at the Home Office, is the first female cabinet secretary in the more than 100-year history of the role. She succeeds Sir Chris Wormald, who became the latest member of the prime minister’s top team to quit last week as Sir Keir seeks to overhaul his Downing Street operation following a string of scandals.

Announcing the appointment, the prime minister praised Dame Antonia’s long career in the civil service.

“I am delighted to appoint Dame Antonia Romeo as the new cabinet secretary,” he said. “She is an outstanding public servant, with a 25-year record of delivering for the British people. Since becoming prime minister, I’ve been impressed by her professionalism and determination to get things done.”