Whitehall Sources Link Cabinet Secretary Appointment to Mandelson Files Control
Senior Whitehall officials have revealed that Dame Antonia Romeo is poised to become the next Cabinet Secretary primarily because she is expected to cooperate with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's desire to restrict the release of sensitive files related to Peter Mandelson. This development follows the controversial removal of Sir Chris Wormald, who was reportedly dismissed for taking what No. 10 considered a too 'liberal' approach to document disclosure.
Pressure Mounts Over Mandelson-Epstein Investigation Documents
The government was compelled to release documents concerning Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador after a criminal investigation was launched into allegations that he passed sensitive information to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. According to multiple sources within Whitehall, this has created significant anxiety within the Prime Minister's office, with Sir Keir Starmer reportedly concerned that the released messages could expose the full extent of Mandelson's influence over government operations.
A senior Whitehall official stated: 'Part of the reason there has been such a strong reaction to Chris's sacking is that many people believe he was removed because No. 10 wants to suppress the files' release.' Another source added: 'The release of these documents is being controlled within an inch of its life. Keir believes he might survive politically if he can suppress the most damaging files, and that's precisely what Antonia would be expected to facilitate.'
Wormald's Removal and Disclosure Threshold Concerns
Sources indicate that Sir Chris Wormald's departure was directly driven by Sir Keir Starmer's determination to maintain a 'tight grip' on private messages related to Mandelson's ambassadorial appointment. The government's apprehension was further highlighted by what insiders described as a 'mental' reaction when Health Secretary Wes Streeting independently decided to release his private exchanges with Mandelson.
In those released messages, Streeting reportedly expressed concerns about his political future, stating he thinks he is 'toast' at the next election and lamenting the absence of a coherent economic growth strategy. A Whitehall source explained: 'The reason they went mental at Wes is he ruined the carefully managed disclosure threshold. They believe they can limit file releases to only those specifically concerning Mandelson's appointment, not his broader involvement in government affairs.'
Political Fallout and Cover-Up Allegations
A government minister acknowledged the inevitable controversy, stating: 'They know there will be a significant political row, with inevitable allegations of a cover-up. However, they prefer facing those accusations to allowing full document release, which they genuinely believe would prove fatal to Keir's leadership.'
The Cabinet Office has officially commented on the appointment process, with a spokesman saying: 'Dame Antonia Romeo is an outstanding leader with a twenty-five-year record of excellent public service. The process to appoint a new Cabinet Secretary will be properly agreed by the First Civil Service Commissioner.'
Opposition voices have been quick to respond, with Tory Cabinet Office spokesman Alex Burghart demanding: 'Starmer must hand over the complete, unfiltered material to the intelligence and security committee without any further delay.' This developing situation continues to raise serious questions about government transparency and the handling of sensitive documents during ongoing criminal investigations.
