Antonia Romeo Granted Powerful Mandate to Deliver No 10's Priorities
Antonia Romeo, Keir Starmer's most senior civil servant, has been handed a powerful new mandate to deliver the Prime Minister's key priorities. This development comes as Darren Jones, the No 10 chief secretary, shifts to a role more focused on broader Whitehall reforms.
New Leadership and Objectives
Romeo, who was promoted last month, assumed the position of cabinet secretary and head of the civil service following an unsuccessful year under her predecessor, Chris Wormald. Wormald was not considered effective enough by No 10, leading to this leadership change.
In contrast, Romeo's published objectives are ambitious and clear. She is required to "visibly lead the civil service with clarity, energy and passion" and "champion a culture of curiosity, innovation and pride." Her role also involves recognizing high performance and excellence in delivery and innovation across the civil service.
Key Tasks and Reforms
One of Romeo's primary responsibilities is rewriting the civil service code. Additionally, she has been tasked with reforming the civil service to ensure it is "recognised for excellence in delivery, innovation and improved productivity." This marks a significant shift towards enhancing efficiency and accountability within Whitehall.
The Financial Times first reported the change in Darren Jones's role, noting that he is spending less time in Downing Street and more in the Cabinet Office since Romeo took over. Cabinet Office sources clarified that Jones retains his title as chief secretary to the prime minister and chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster. However, with a new team in place, there is less need for his hands-on involvement in day-to-day operations.
Darren Jones's New Focus
Jones, who successfully assisted in turning around No 10, will now concentrate on civil service reform and implementing plans for digital ID. He will continue to chair meetings for the prime minister and handle problems on his behalf. Jones was appointed chief secretary to the prime minister last September, a move aimed at bolstering Starmer's operation after the departures of communications chief James Lyons and longstanding press chief Steph Driver.
Staffing Changes and Interim Roles
Downing Street sources indicate that Vidhya Alakeson, one of two deputies promoted to interim chief of staff following Morgan McSweeney's resignation, is performing exceptionally well. She is now a leading candidate for the role on a longer-term basis. Meanwhile, Jill Cuthbertson, the second co-chief of staff, is on parental leave.
The position of director of communications remains vacant, although longstanding press aide Sophie Nazemi has taken on the role on an interim basis after Tim Allan's resignation.
Gender Representation in Leadership
The promotion of Antonia Romeo and the expanded role for Vidhya Alakeson mean that the most powerful positions focused on delivering the government's priorities are now held by women. This shift highlights a move towards greater gender diversity in top Whitehall roles.
Historical Context and Goals
Romeo, a former permanent secretary at the Home Office and Ministry of Justice, is the first cabinet secretary to publish her goals for the job since Jeremy Heywood, who served under multiple prime ministers. Her five headline goals include:
- Leading official delivery of the prime minister's priorities
- Acting as his principal policy adviser
- Supporting proper and effective Cabinet government and decision-making
- Reforming the civil service
- Leading an impartial, curious, and engaged civil service
These goals clarify that Romeo will serve as both the main civil service adviser to the prime minister and the leader of the civil service, despite recent calls for these roles to be separated.
