Frontrunner for Top Civil Service Role Repaid Taxpayer-Funded Transatlantic Commute
The leading candidate to become the next head of the civil service has repaid travel expenses after it emerged she commuted between London and New York at taxpayers' expense. Dame Antonia Romeo, who has previously faced a bullying inquiry, is understood to be Sir Keir Starmer's preferred choice for the crucial cabinet secretary position.
Expenses Scrutiny and Repayment
Dame Antonia incurred significant costs, believed to run into tens of thousands of pounds, while transitioning between roles in 2017. At the time, she was serving as HM consul-general in New York while also taking up a new position as permanent secretary for the Department for International Trade in London. This arrangement led to taxpayer-funded flights between the two cities, along with accommodation and other associated expenses.
After officials raised concerns about the bills, Dame Antonia voluntarily suggested repaying a portion of these costs and subsequently did so. A Government spokesman confirmed the details, stating: 'For a short transition period in 2017, while she was acting as both consul-general in New York and permanent secretary for the Department for International Trade in London, Antonia incurred travel, accommodation and other costs, under an agreed arrangement. She suggested paying some of these back and did so. This was entirely within standard process and agreed at the time.'
Social Events at Official Residence
In addition to the travel expenses, Dame Antonia used her official residence in the United States to host glamorous parties for high-profile figures. Notable attendees included former Vogue editor Dame Anna Wintour, who shared photographs of herself mingling with celebrities such as actress Dame Joanna Lumley at these events. These social gatherings have drawn further attention to her conduct and lifestyle during her tenure in New York.
Political Pressure Over Appointment Process
The revelation comes amid growing political pressure on Sir Keir Starmer to expedite the appointment of a new cabinet secretary. A week after Prime Minister Starmer forced out the previous cabinet secretary, Sir Chris Wormald, there has been no announcement regarding the selection process for his successor. Sir Keir must agree on the procedure with the First Civil Service Commissioner, Baroness Stuart, with calls for a swift resolution as seen in past appointments.
However, discussions are ongoing, and Number 10 faces demands to conduct a full, open recruitment process rather than fast-tracking the appointment. This caution stems from previous vetting failures, notably involving Lord Mandelson. Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokeswoman Lisa Smart criticised the delay, saying: 'No 10 is starting to look like a fairground with the endless merry-go-round of staff passing through its doors. The Prime Minister needs to get on with appointing a Cabinet Secretary.'
Conservative MP Alex Burghart echoed these concerns, stating: 'A week ago, Keir Starmer forced out the head of the civil service... Yet we still don't know anything about the process to replace [him].' The situation highlights the urgency and scrutiny surrounding the selection of a new cabinet secretary, with Dame Antonia's background and expenses now under the spotlight.
