Dame Antonia Romeo announced as first female Cabinet Secretary

The Prime Minister has appointed Dame Antonia Romeo as Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service, making her the first woman to hold the post in its more than 100-year history.

The appointment, announced by the Cabinet Office on Wednesday, follows a recruitment process approved by the independent First Civil Service Commissioner.

Romeo, currently Permanent Secretary at the Home Office, will take on the top civil service role after 25 years in public service. She is the longest-serving permanent secretary in government.

As Cabinet Secretary, Romeo will be responsible for advising the Prime Minister and Cabinet, as well as leading the Civil Service in delivering the government’s agenda. Her appointment comes as ministers pursue reforms aimed at boosting economic growth, improving public services and addressing cost of living pressures.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Romeo was “an outstanding public servant, with a 25-year record of delivering for the British people”.

“Since becoming Prime Minister, I’ve been impressed by her professionalism and determination to get things done,” he said. “It is essential we have a Cabinet Secretary who can support the government to make this happen.”

Romeo said it was “a huge privilege” to be appointed.

“The Civil Service is a great and remarkable institution, which I love,” she said. “We should be known for delivery, efficiency and innovation, working to implement the Government’s agenda and meet the challenges the country faces.

“I look forward to working with all colleagues across the Civil Service to do this, in support of the Prime Minister and the Government.”

Romeo has led three major Whitehall departments over the past decade, spanning trade, justice and security.