antonia romeo appointed cabinet secretary, first woman to lead UK civil service
On February 19, 2026 (ET) Prime Minister Keir Starmer appointed Antonia Romeo as the United Kingdom's cabinet secretary, making her the first woman to hold the role in its 110-year history. The move installs a long-serving senior official with a record of department leadership into the civil service's top job at a moment of political and operational pressure.
Career record and responsibilities
Romeo has spent more than two decades in senior public service roles, including permanent secretary positions at the Home Office, the Department for International Trade and the Ministry of Justice. She began her civil service career in 2000 as an economist after working in the private sector and has been involved in major operational responses, policy delivery and institutional reform across successive departments.
As cabinet secretary she will act as the prime minister's most senior policy adviser, sit alongside ministers at cabinet meetings and take overall responsibility for ensuring policy decisions are implemented across the civil service. The post also carries stewardship of the civil service workforce and the remit to promote delivery, efficiency and innovation within government operations.
Controversy, vetting and fresh objections
The appointment follows an enhanced vetting and due diligence process overseen by the First Civil Service Commissioner. Past complaints about Romeo’s conduct surfaced in relation to her time as the UK's consul general in New York, where allegations included the use of expenses and accusations of bullying. Those earlier allegations were examined by officials and were concluded to leave no case to answer.
Despite that clearance, the decision has prompted renewed scrutiny. A second individual has contacted the Cabinet Office with concerns about the appointment, and material has emerged that calls into question elements of earlier HR statements about who raised issues and when. Senior figures involved in the assessment process have said extra checks were carried out before the final decision was made, including work by the permanent secretary of the Cabinet Office and the interim chief people officer.
Supporters of Romeo point to her reputation as a reformer and an effective operational leader who is capable of driving departmental change. Critics have urged that vetting be thorough given the high-profile nature of the role and the potential impact of unresolved personnel matters on workplace culture and public confidence.
Implications for government and next steps
The appointment comes as the government focuses on economic pressures and public service delivery. The prime minister described Romeo as an "outstanding public servant" with a long record of delivering for the public, and emphasised the need for a cabinet secretary who can support the administration's priorities on cost of living, public services and community renewal.
Romeo replaces the previous cabinet secretary, who left the post last week after a brief tenure. Her elevation is likely to shape the civil service's approach to implementing the government's agenda, including any internal reforms and efforts to boost delivery across departments. Observers will watch how she handles the transition into the top job, manages lingering questions about past conduct, and sets the tone on staff management and departmental accountability.
In accepting the role, Romeo described it as a "huge privilege" and affirmed her commitment to a civil service known for delivery, efficiency and innovation. The next period will test that commitment against immediate operational demands and the public scrutiny that attends the highest levels of government leadership.
