Starmer appoints Antonia Romeo as head of the civil service

"Families across the country are still feeling the squeeze, and this government is focused on easing the cost of living, strengthening public services and restoring pride in our communities. It is essential we have a Cabinet Secretary who can support the government to make this happen, he said. 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."

"Romeo, the first woman to hold the post in the role's 110-year history, has been a key figure behind the scenes in multiple government departments including spells as permanent secretary at the Home Office, International Trade and the Ministry of Justice. The civil servant, who is currently the longest-serving permanent secretary in government, faced multiple bullying complaints earlier in her career but government sources said an independent investigation had found there was no case to answer"

"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. Romeo said it was a huge privilege to become the head of the civil service. The Civil Service is a great and remarkable institution, which I love. We should be known for delivery, efficiency and innovation, working to implement the Government's agenda and meet the challenges the country faces, she said."

Keir Starmer appointed Antonia Romeo as Cabinet Secretary, making her the first woman to hold the post in its 110-year history. Romeo has served as permanent secretary at the Home Office, International Trade and the Ministry of Justice and is currently the longest-serving permanent secretary. Earlier in her career she faced multiple bullying complaints; an independent investigation cited by government sources found there was no case to answer. The appointment is intended to support efforts to ease the cost of living, strengthen public services, restore community pride and drive government reform during a period described as national renewal.

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