Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has appointed Dame Antonia Romeo as the new Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service, making her the first woman to hold the position in the role’s 110-year history.
The announcement was made on Thursday, following the sudden departure of her predecessor.
Dame Antonia will now take charge of the UK’s top civil service role at a time when Whitehall faces increasing pressure to deliver public service reforms, manage spending limits, and improve trust in government decision-making.
Who is Dame Antonia Romeo, and why was she chosen?
Dame Antonia Romeo is one of the most senior figures in the UK civil service and has built a long career leading major government departments.
She has held high-level roles across several key institutions, including the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice, and the Department for International Trade.
EXCL: Sir Keir Starmer has appointed Dame Antonia Romeo to be the cabinet secretary, the UK’s top civil servant.
Romeo will be the first woman to hold the post in the role’s 110 year history.
She faced multiple bullying complaints earlier in her career but government sources… pic.twitter.com/7bAuCQnSnY
— Joe Pike (@joepike) February 19, 2026
Government insiders say Sir Keir Starmer valued her reputation for strong delivery and her experience managing complex national issues, particularly in security, justice, and international policy.
Her appointment also followed a formal due diligence process overseen by the Civil Service Commission.
What does the Cabinet Secretary actually do?
The Cabinet Secretary is often described as the Prime Minister’s top official adviser and the most senior civil servant in the country.
Why is this job so important for the UK government?
The Cabinet Secretary plays a major role in:
- Coordinating government departments
- Supporting Cabinet decision-making
- Ensuring policies are carried out effectively
- Leading senior civil service leadership structures
- Driving long-term reforms across the public sector
In simple terms, this role helps turn government promises into action.
Dame Antonia will also oversee the wider civil service workforce, which includes hundreds of thousands of staff working in areas such as public safety, immigration, prisons, courts, trade, and policy delivery.
Why did Sir Chris Wormald leave the role so quickly?
Dame Antonia replaces Sir Chris Wormald, who left the position after serving for only 14 months. His exit makes him the shortest-serving Cabinet Secretary in UK history.
While officials have not publicly provided detailed reasons for his removal, the change has been seen as part of a broader shift in leadership direction under Starmer’s government.
What are the allegations linked to her earlier career?
Dame Antonia’s appointment has already drawn attention due to previous complaints raised earlier in her career.
During her time as a senior UK diplomat abroad, multiple bullying-related complaints were reported. The government has previously stated that investigations into allegations regarding her management style and expenses found no case to answer.
Despite that, the history has resurfaced following her promotion, with some critics questioning whether the role demands a leader with less public controversy.
Supporters argue her track record in senior government leadership shows she has the experience needed for a demanding post.
What does this mean for Sir Keir Starmer’s government?
Dame Antonia Romeo’s appointment may signal that the Prime Minister wants a stronger push for delivery across government departments.
The Labour government has made clear it wants faster policy implementation, improved public service performance, and tighter control over internal decision-making.
By selecting a senior figure known for handling difficult departments, Starmer appears to be positioning the civil service for a more direct and results-driven style of leadership.
