In a historic move, Sir Keir Starmer has appointed Dame Antonia Romeo as the new cabinet secretary, making her the first woman to hold the UK’s top civil service position in its 110-year history. The appointment, announced on Thursday, February 19, 2026, marks a significant shift in leadership for Whitehall and comes as Starmer seeks to reshape his government team. This appointment of a female cabinet secretary signals a commitment to reform within the civil service, according to the Prime Minister.
Dame Antonia, currently the permanent secretary at the Home Office, will be responsible for advising the Prime Minister and ensuring the effective implementation of government policy. The cabinet secretary plays a crucial role in the British government, sitting alongside the Prime Minister during cabinet meetings and overseeing all civil servants in Great Britain. Starmer emphasized his confidence in Romeo’s ability to drive government reform and deliver on a period of “national renewal.”
A Career in Public Service
Romeo brings a wealth of experience to the role, having held senior positions in multiple government departments, including spells as permanent secretary at the Home Office, International Trade, and the Ministry of Justice. She likewise previously served as the UK’s consul general in New York. Her long track record within the civil service, spanning 25 years, was highlighted by Starmer as a key factor in his decision. The appointment followed a rigorous due diligence process overseen by Baroness Gisela Stuart, the First Civil Service Commissioner.
The Prime Minister stated, “Antonia has shown she is the right person to drive the government to reform and I look forward to working with her to deliver this period of national renewal.” Dame Antonia herself described the appointment as a “huge privilege,” adding, “The Civil Service is a great and remarkable institution, which I love.”
Addressing Past Concerns
The appointment has not been without scrutiny. Multiple complaints regarding Romeo’s management style surfaced during her time as consul general in New York in 2017, including allegations of bullying. Though, a subsequent Cabinet Office inquiry found “no case to answer” regarding these claims. Investigations into allegations relating to her use of expenses also cleared her of wrongdoing. Despite these past concerns, Starmer reportedly was impressed by her ability to “acquire things done,” according to government sources.
Recent reports suggest that Romeo faced media briefings questioning her leadership, but the Civil Service Commission affirmed that she underwent a “comprehensive due diligence process” and possesses an “excellent track record in leadership positions across the civil service.”
Transition from Chris Wormald
Dame Antonia Romeo succeeds Sir Chris Wormald, who left the position earlier this month after just over a year in the role. Wormald’s departure reportedly stemmed from frustrations within Starmer’s team regarding the pace of change within the civil service. This transition underscores Starmer’s commitment to accelerating reforms and modernizing the government’s operational structure.
The appointment of the UK’s first female cabinet secretary represents a landmark moment for the civil service and signals a potential shift in priorities under the Starmer government. The focus now turns to how Romeo will navigate the challenges of implementing policy changes and leading a large and complex organization.
Looking ahead, the coming months will be crucial as Dame Antonia Romeo settles into her new role and begins to implement her vision for the civil service. The effectiveness of her leadership will be closely watched as the government seeks to address pressing national issues and deliver on its policy agenda.
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