Keir Starmer has named Dame Antonia Romeo as the first woman to lead the civil service in its history of over a century. Formerly the Home Office permanent secretary, Dame Antonia will now serve as the Cabinet Secretary and head of the Civil Service. This appointment follows Sir Chris Wormald’s resignation from his position in government after only 14 months, which was mutually agreed upon with the Prime Minister.

Expressing her gratitude for the opportunity, Dame Antonia stated, “It is a great honor to take on the roles of Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service. The Civil Service is a remarkable institution, and I am deeply passionate about it. We aim to be recognized for our efficiency, innovation, and successful implementation of the government’s agenda to address the nation’s challenges.”

She further added, “I am excited to collaborate with my colleagues across the Civil Service to support the Prime Minister and the government in achieving our objectives.”

Keir Starmer praised Dame Antonia’s appointment, highlighting her exceptional track record of serving the British public for 25 years. He emphasized the government’s commitment to easing the financial burden on families, enhancing public services, and revitalizing local communities. Starmer emphasized the importance of having a capable Cabinet Secretary to facilitate these initiatives.

Regarding concerns raised by former Foreign Office head Sir Simon McDonald about the appointment process, First Civil Service Commissioner Baroness Gisela Stuart assured that Dame Antonia’s appointment underwent thorough due diligence and received approval.

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