Starmer Defends Cabinet Secretary Frontrunner Amid Management Style Questions
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has robustly defended Dame Antonia Romeo as an outstanding leader, as speculation intensifies that she will be selected to succeed Sir Chris Wormald as the next cabinet secretary. This comes despite lingering questions about her management style and past allegations, which have resurfaced in recent discussions.
Background on Dame Antonia Romeo
Dame Antonia, a senior civil servant with a 25-year record of public service, has been tipped for the top role. She previously faced allegations of bullying during her tenure as consul-general in New York, but these were dismissed by the Cabinet Office after a formal inquiry. The prime minister's official spokesperson emphasized that her record speaks for itself, noting that one formal complaint was raised nine years ago and was dismissed with no case to answer.
Official Statements and Responses
When questioned about reports that Dame Antonia had been spoken to regarding her management style post-inquiry, the spokesperson stated that the government would not comment on confidential HR processes. He reiterated her qualifications, highlighting her appointment to three permanent secretary roles and her excellent public service track record. However, a source revealed to the BBC that she faced tough conversations about leadership issues, with some personal style aspects grating on colleagues.
Criticism and Support from Former Boss
Lord Simon McDonald, former permanent secretary at the foreign office and Dame Antonia's ex-boss, expressed doubts about her potential appointment. He urged for a thorough due diligence process, suggesting it should start from scratch to ensure the right candidate is chosen for what he described as the most important job in the civil service. In response, government sources dismissed his claims, labeling him a senior male official whose time has passed and asserting there is no basis for the criticism.
Interim Arrangements and Context
Currently, Dame Antonia is one of three civil servants acting as interim cabinet secretary following Sir Chris Wormald's departure, alongside Cat Little and James Bowler. Sir Chris's exit, described as by mutual agreement, made him the shortest-serving cabinet secretary in history, lasting less than 23 months. This shake-up occurred shortly after the resignations of chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and communications chief Tim Allan, part of efforts to address scandals over appointments linked to sex offenders.
Broader Implications and Government Vows
The government has pledged to enhance vetting processes after Prime Minister Starmer faced scrutiny over judgment calls, including allegations that Lord Peter Mandelson misrepresented his association with Jeffrey Epstein during vetting for an ambassadorial role. This context underscores the high stakes involved in selecting the next cabinet secretary, with Dame Antonia's candidacy at the center of ongoing debates about leadership, transparency, and reform in the civil service.
