Sir Keir Starmer has appointed Antonia Romeo as the new Cabinet Secretary and head of the Civil Service, making her the first woman to hold the powerful Whitehall post in its modern history.
The appointment by Keir Starmer, widely anticipated in recent weeks, places the current permanent secretary at the Home Office at the apex of the UK’s administrative system.
As Cabinet Secretary, Dame Antonia will serve as the Prime Minister’s most senior official adviser, responsible for coordinating the work of government departments and leading the Civil Service at a critical political moment.
A historic appointment
Dame Antonia’s elevation is being viewed inside Whitehall as both symbolic and substantive.
The Cabinet Secretary role — often described as the most influential unelected position in British government — carries responsibility for advising the Prime Minister, ensuring collective Cabinet decision-making functions smoothly, and upholding standards across the Civil Service.
Her appointment marks the first time a woman has formally taken on the role, a milestone in an institution that has historically been dominated by men at its most senior levels. Supporters say it reflects a broader shift in Whitehall’s leadership culture and the increasing prominence of women in top departmental roles.
Leadership record and scrutiny
However, her rise has not been without controversy. Dame Antonia previously faced allegations of bullying linked to her time as consul general in New York in 2017. Following an inquiry conducted by the Cabinet Office, she was cleared of the claims.
Sources have said that, in the aftermath of the investigation, she had “tough conversations” about her management style. One source told the BBC that while she had been cleared of formal wrongdoing, “there were some issues of personal style that grated with people.”
Allies argue that such criticisms reflect the pressures of senior diplomatic and civil service leadership rather than misconduct, and note that she has continued to be entrusted with increasingly demanding roles since the inquiry concluded.
Experience at the Home Office
As permanent secretary at the Home Office, Dame Antonia has overseen one of the most challenging portfolios in government. The department is responsible for immigration, border security, counter-terrorism, policing and domestic security — areas that have remained politically sensitive and operationally complex.
Her tenure coincided with heightened public debate over migration levels, asylum backlogs and law enforcement reform. Colleagues describe her as highly driven, detail-focused and willing to push for delivery in areas where political and administrative pressures are intense.
A pivotal moment for the Civil Service
The appointment comes as the Civil Service faces calls for reform, modernisation and greater accountability. Starmer’s government has pledged to drive efficiency improvements and sharpen policy delivery across departments. The Cabinet Secretary will play a central role in translating ministerial priorities into operational reality.
Dame Antonia will also be responsible for maintaining trust between ministers and officials — a relationship that has at times been strained in recent years. Her ability to balance political sensitivity with institutional independence will be closely watched.
Challenges ahead
As Cabinet Secretary, she will confront a packed agenda: overseeing fiscal discipline amid economic pressures, coordinating cross-departmental policy on immigration and public services, and navigating geopolitical uncertainties affecting national security.
Her appointment signals Starmer’s confidence in her capacity to manage both the machinery of government and the internal culture of Whitehall. Yet scrutiny of her leadership style is likely to continue as she assumes one of the most visible and demanding roles in British public life.
For supporters, Dame Antonia’s rise represents a landmark moment and a testament to her experience across trade, diplomacy and domestic policy. For critics, it raises questions about leadership culture at the very top of government.
Either way, her tenure as Cabinet Secretary will shape the direction of the Civil Service — and its relationship with ministers — for years to come.
