Antonia Romeo Becomes First Woman UK Cabinet Secretary in Historic Appointment

Antonia Romeo makes history as the UK's first female Cabinet Secretary, a role that has existed for over 100 years. This is a significant change at the top of the civil service.
By Newsroom | Politics, UK |

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has appointed Dame Antonia Romeo as the new Cabinet Secretary, the most senior position in the UK civil service. This historic appointment marks the first time a woman has held the role in its over 100-year existence. Romeo, currently the Permanent Secretary at the Home Office, will also serve as Head of the Civil Service, tasked with driving change and implementing the government's agenda. Her selection follows the departure of Sir Chris Wormald, who held the post for just over a year.

Starmer appoints Antonia Romeo as Britain’s first female cabinet secretary – UK politics live - 1

Background to the Appointment

Sir Chris Wormald's tenure as Cabinet Secretary concluded earlier this month. Reports suggest that Starmer's team expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of change within the civil service under Wormald's leadership. This situation created an opening for a new appointment, leading to the selection process for a successor.

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Starmer appoints Antonia Romeo as Britain’s first female cabinet secretary – UK politics live - 2

  • Previous Role: Dame Antonia Romeo was the Permanent Secretary at the Home Office.

  • Departure of Predecessor: Sir Chris Wormald left the role of Cabinet Secretary after approximately one year.

  • Reason for Change: Unspecified concerns from the Prime Minister's team regarding the pace of civil service reform.

Dame Antonia Romeo's Career and Qualifications

Dame Antonia Romeo brings a substantial background in public service, with approximately 25 years of experience. Her career has seen her hold senior positions across various government departments. Notably, she previously served as Britain's Consul General in New York, where she represented UK economic and diplomatic interests.

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  • Experience: Over 25 years in public service leadership.

  • Previous High-Profile Role: Consul General in New York.

  • Stated Objective: To lead the Civil Service in driving change and implementing government policy.

The Selection Process

The process for appointing the new Cabinet Secretary involved agreement between the Prime Minister and the First Civil Service Commissioner. Gisela Stuart, the First Civil Service Commissioner and a former Labour MP, has publicly stated her approval of Romeo's appointment.

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  • Key Decision Makers: Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the First Civil Service Commissioner.

  • Endorsement: Gisela Stuart, First Civil Service Commissioner, approved the appointment.

  • Starmer's Rationale: Prime Minister Starmer cited Romeo's ability to "get things done" as a key factor in her selection.

Historic Significance of the Appointment

The appointment of Dame Antonia Romeo is significant as it breaks a long-standing tradition in British governance. She is the first woman to reach the apex of Whitehall's administrative structure as Cabinet Secretary. This development places her at the forefront of the UK government's most senior administrative role, a position traditionally held by men.

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  • First Woman in Role: Dame Antonia Romeo is the first female Cabinet Secretary.

  • Duration of Role: The Cabinet Secretary position has existed for over 100 years.

  • Impact: Establishes a new precedent at the highest levels of the UK civil service.

Previous Scrutiny and Defense

While her appointment is celebrated as historic, Dame Antonia Romeo has faced past allegations. Reports indicate accusations of bullying and questions regarding her use of expenses during her tenure as Consul General in New York. However, some former colleagues have defended her, asserting that there were no complaints in her subsequent roles and that public criticisms during her time in New York occurred while she was unable to publicly respond.

  • Allegations: Claims of bullying and scrutiny over expenses during her time in New York.

  • Counterarguments: Supporters note the absence of complaints in later roles and suggest public attacks occurred when she could not defend herself.

  • Public Statement: Romeo released a statement upon her appointment addressing these matters.

Expert and Official Commentary

Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed delight at the appointment, emphasizing Romeo's experience and her capacity to lead the civil service in implementing the government's objectives. The Cabinet Office has also released statements detailing the rationale behind her selection, highlighting her suitability for the role.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer: "I am delighted to appoint Dame Antonia Romeo as the new Cabinet Secretary. Building on 25 years of public service leadership, as Cabinet Secretary she will lead the Civil Service to drive change and implement the government’s agenda."

Gisela Stuart, First Civil Service Commissioner: Issued a statement approving Romeo's appointment, confirming her role in the selection process.

Cabinet Office: Provided statements regarding Romeo's appointment, outlining her qualifications and suitability for the role.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Dame Antonia Romeo's appointment as the UK's first female Cabinet Secretary is a notable event in British public administration. Her extensive experience in public service, coupled with her leadership at the Home Office, positions her to influence significant policy implementation. The role carries substantial responsibility for advising the Prime Minister and ensuring the effective functioning of government departments. Her ability to navigate past criticisms while leading the civil service will be a key focus.

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Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Antonia Romeo and what is her new job?
Antonia Romeo has been appointed the new Cabinet Secretary, the top job in the UK civil service. This is a historic moment as she is the first woman to hold this position in over 100 years. She will also lead the civil service.
Q: Why is this appointment considered historic?
This is historic because for the first time in more than a century, a woman will be the Cabinet Secretary. This breaks a long-standing tradition in the UK government.
Q: What is the Cabinet Secretary's role?
The Cabinet Secretary advises the Prime Minister and leads the entire UK civil service. They help make sure the government's plans are carried out.
Q: What is Antonia Romeo's background?
She has worked in public service for about 25 years and was previously the top official at the Home Office. She has also worked in New York as Britain's Consul General.
Q: Were there any concerns about her appointment?
Some past reports mentioned claims of bullying and issues with expenses from when she worked in New York. However, supporters say she has had no problems in later jobs and she has spoken about these past issues.
Q: Who chose Antonia Romeo for the job?
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the First Civil Service Commissioner, Gisela Stuart, agreed on her appointment. The Prime Minister said he chose her because she can 'get things done'.