Who is Antonia Romeo and why is she tipped to be the next cabinet secretary?

"Whitehall sources say Romeo's appointment is the most likely option but not nailed on, as No 10 still don't know what they want. One senior person who has worked with her says she is clearly an outstanding candidate and would be a good choice for Starmer she's full of ideas. She has clearly impressed Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary, who also worked with her at the Ministry of Justice."

"However, at the same time, senior civil servants will often give a slightly disapproving murmur about Romeo's tendency towards self-promotion, noting that she has her detractors as well as her supporters. As one puts it, she would not be a risk-free choice. The scepticism about Romeo comes from the traditionalist corners of the civil service who raise an eyebrow about smiling social media content covering her activities as a permanent secretary."

"She is more outward-facing than almost all of her peers, not shy of attending events where members of the media could be present, and good at networking internally within the civil service. She goes to parties and looks like she is enjoying herself, in contrast with the vast majority of permanent secretaries I've known, says one Whitehall insider. This approachability is deeply counter to the invisible nature of much of the civil service but may be what Starmer wants"

Antonia Romeo combines charm, ambition and a willingness to publicise her achievements. She was shortlisted for cabinet secretary and has resurfaced as the frontrunner after Chris Wormald's exit. Colleagues describe her as outstanding, full of ideas and effective at internal networking. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has been impressed by her. Traditionalist civil servants express scepticism about her visible, media-friendly style and tendency for self-promotion. Critics point to social media posts during sensitive moments, such as a Ministry of Justice Christmas tree post amid a court service crisis. Her approachability contrasts with typical civil service invisibility and could appeal to leadership seeking change.

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