Sir Keir Starmer has publicly endorsed Dame Antonia Romeo as a leading candidate for the position of cabinet secretary, despite previous allegations regarding her leadership approach. With growing anticipation surrounding her potential appointment, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson has asserted that Dame Antonia’s extensive experience in public service speaks volumes about her capabilities.
Allegations and Inquiry Findings
Dame Antonia, who served as the consul-general in New York, had previously faced bullying allegations, which were thoroughly investigated by the Cabinet Office. The inquiry concluded without any findings against her. In response to questions about her management style, a spokesperson for No 10 reaffirmed, “one formal complaint was raised nine years ago and the allegations were dismissed on the basis that there was no case to answer.”
“The record of Antonia Romeo is clear and speaks for itself,” the spokesperson added, highlighting her substantial tenure in the civil service, which includes three permanent secretary roles.
Concerns Raised by Former Colleagues
Despite the backing from the government, concerns about Dame Antonia’s leadership style have emerged. Reports suggest that she has had “tough conversations” regarding her approach following the inquiry, with some colleagues expressing that certain aspects of her style did not sit well with others.
Lord Simon McDonald, former permanent secretary at the Foreign Office and Dame Antonia’s ex-boss, has voiced reservations regarding her potential appointment. He stated on Channel 4 News that thorough due diligence is necessary, adding, “This is the most important job in the civil service… It can’t be chosen on the fly.” He emphasised the need for a comprehensive process in selecting a new cabinet secretary.
Government’s Response to Criticism
In response to Lord McDonald’s comments, government sources have dismissed his criticisms as unfounded. They described him as “a senior male official whose time has passed,” suggesting that his views do not reflect the current assessment of Dame Antonia’s qualifications.
For now, Dame Antonia is one of three civil servants managing the cabinet secretary role on an interim basis, alongside Cat Little and James Bowler, following the abrupt departure of Sir Chris Wormald, who holds the unfortunate distinction of being the shortest-serving cabinet secretary in history.
The Context of Recent Departures
The shake-up within the civil service comes on the heels of significant resignations, including chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and communications chief Tim Allan. This reorganisation appears to be an effort to move past the fallout from recent controversial appointments, including those of Lord Peter Mandelson and Lord Matthew Doyle, both of whom have faced scrutiny due to their past associations.
The government has committed to enhancing its vetting processes in light of these events, particularly after Prime Minister Starmer’s assertion that Lord Mandelson misled officials during his vetting for the ambassadorial position in Washington.
Why it Matters
The appointment of a new cabinet secretary is a pivotal moment for the UK government, carrying implications for the effectiveness and integrity of the civil service. As Dame Antonia Romeo’s candidacy unfolds amidst scrutiny and internal debate, the emphasis on due diligence and leadership qualities will play a crucial role in shaping the future of public administration. The decisions made now will not only affect the immediate political landscape but could also redefine the standards for leadership within the civil service for years to come.
