Chris Wormald Forced Out as Cabinet Secretary by Keir Starmer
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has compelled his cabinet secretary, Chris Wormald, to step down from his position after slightly more than a year in the role. The departure was announced as being "by mutual consent," but Whitehall sources indicate it was driven by Starmer's desire for change at the top of the civil service.
Antonia Romeo Poised to Make History
Antonia Romeo, the current permanent secretary at the Home Office, is strongly tipped to succeed Wormald. If appointed, she would become the first woman to hold the prestigious cabinet secretary position in British history. The Cabinet Office has confirmed that a formal appointment process will now commence, with the role temporarily divided among three senior officials: Romeo, Cat Little, and James Bowler.
Romeo is widely regarded as a dynamic and unconventional figure within Whitehall, contrasting sharply with Wormald, who faced criticism for being ill-suited to spearhead the reform agenda that Starmer's government is pursuing. Her expected appointment comes despite cautionary advice from former Foreign Office official Simon McDonald, who urged a more thorough vetting process.
Controversy and Defence Surround Romeo
Romeo's potential promotion has not been without controversy. Questions were raised about her spending during her tenure as consul general in New York in 2017, though a subsequent Cabinet Office investigation exonerated her of any misconduct. Simon McDonald, her former superior, has suggested that Downing Street should conduct additional due diligence regarding these past allegations.
However, Romeo's allies have mounted a vigorous defence of her candidacy. One minister praised her as "restless, focused, creative, and understanding of the scale of the crises this country faces," arguing that she embodies the transformative leadership the civil service requires. The minister also criticised what they described as unfair attacks on ambitious women by establishment figures.
A government source emphasised Romeo's impeccable record, stating: "Antonia Romeo is a highly respected permanent secretary with a 25-year record of excellent public service. The allegations all stem from a single grievance made some time ago by a former employee, and all were dismissed as having no case to answer."
Wormald's Departure and Aftermath
Chris Wormald, who had served as a civil servant for 35 years, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the service. In a statement, he said: "It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as a civil servant for the past 35 years, and a particular distinction to lead the service as cabinet secretary."
Prime Minister Starmer acknowledged Wormald's long and distinguished career, stating: "I am very grateful to Sir Chris for his long and distinguished career of public service, spanning more than 35 years, and for the support that he has given me over the past year."
Nevertheless, the handling of Wormald's removal has attracted criticism. Allies of Wormald claim he was treated poorly and learned of his fate through media reports rather than direct communication. Dave Penman, general secretary of the FDA union, condemned the briefing against Wormald as "extraordinary" and damaging to the integrity of the cabinet secretary role, warning that it could have a chilling effect across the civil service.
Background and Implications
Starmer originally appointed Wormald as cabinet secretary in late 2024, overriding a panel recommendation for another candidate, Tamara Finkelstein, who has since left the civil service. Wormald's annual salary was approximately £200,000, and he is likely to receive a significant payout upon his departure.
Romeo has garnered support within the civil service for her principled stands, including warning Dominic Raab about behaviour that later led to findings of bullying. She has also impressed Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood with her performance at the Home Office.
This leadership change underscores the ongoing tensions and reform pressures within Whitehall, as the Starmer government seeks to reshape the civil service to address national challenges more effectively.
