Keir Starmer Appoints First Female Cabinet Secretary Amid Controversy
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made a contentious new selection to lead the civil service, aiming to break up the perceived 'boys club' within Number 10. Despite significant concerns raised about her governmental record, Dame Antonia Romeo has been appointed as the first woman to hold the role of Cabinet Secretary. This move follows the sacking of Sir Chris Wormald, who served barely a year in the position.
Announcement and Immediate Reactions
The announcement was discreetly released just minutes after news emerged that police had arrived at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's residence. Starmer publicly praised Dame Antonia's 'determination to get things done', highlighting her as a key figure in his administration's reform agenda.
Labour's former deputy leader, Harriet Harman, welcomed the appointment, stating that Dame Antonia would help dissolve the clique of male advisers and aides in Downing Street. This group has been blamed for fostering a toxic environment at the heart of government. Harman described the move as a 'milestone moment' and 'another chink in the wall of the boys club'.
Criticism and Allegations
However, critics have challenged Dame Antonia's suitability, citing past allegations of bullying and self-promotion. She has also gained a reputation as Whitehall's 'Queen of Woke' due to her reported promotion of trans and diversity issues. Shadow minister Neil O'Brien questioned whether her appointment underwent proper vetting, referencing an extraordinary public warning from her former boss, Simon McDonald, who called for 'more due diligence' before offering her the job.
O'Brien raised 'serious unanswered questions' about the removal of Sir Chris Wormald, which occurred just days after he was tasked with overseeing the release of tens of thousands of sensitive documents related to Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador. Sir Chris is believed to have received a pay-off of at least £260,000, joining a list of senior officials discarded by Starmer, including two chiefs of staff and four directors of communications.
Past Controversies and Expenses
Dame Antonia previously faced accusations of bullying during her tenure as British Consul-General in New York from 2016 to 2017. The Foreign Office reportedly found a 'serious case to answer', but she was later cleared by the Cabinet Office. Additionally, it emerged this week that she repaid travel expenses after commuting from London to New York at taxpayers' expense, with costs believed to run into tens of thousands of pounds. Officials had raised concerns about these bills.
Her time in New York also included hosting glitzy parties at her official residence for figures like former Vogue editor Dame Anna Wintour and posting photographs with celebrities such as actress Dame Joanna Lumley. Staff claimed she demanded framed articles about her from Vogue magazine be placed in the guest bathroom, so visitors would 'stare at a photo of her in a magazine spread'.
Support and Defense
Allies of Dame Antonia have accused critics of misogyny, insisting she is the best person for the job. They point to her extensive experience, having served as permanent secretary at three government departments, most recently the Home Office. Dame Antonia herself expressed that it is a 'huge privilege' to lead the civil service, emphasizing that the service should be known for 'delivery, efficiency, and innovation' in implementing the government's agenda.
Broader Implications
Reform UK's Zia Yusuf criticized Dame Antonia as 'the embodiment of all that's wrong with the Blob', referencing her focus on diversity issues. A former Tory minister who worked alongside her described her as an 'egomaniac', noting the challenge of containing her ego alongside that of Liz Truss at the Department for International Trade. The source added that while she could be effective if government priorities aligned with her self-promotion, Starmer would need to 'watch his back' as she often had an eye on future career moves.
This appointment marks a significant shift in the civil service leadership, reflecting Starmer's commitment to reforming Whitehall's culture, but it remains mired in controversy and scrutiny over Dame Antonia's past conduct and the circumstances of her predecessor's dismissal.
