TDPel Media News Agency

Sir Keir Starmer Appoints Dame Antonia Romeo as Cabinet Secretary to Lead UK Civil Service Amid Controversy Over Past Inclusivity ProgramsSir Keir Starmer Appoints Dame Antonia Romeo as Cabinet Secretary to Lead UK Civil Service Amid Controversy Over Past Inclusivity Programs

Sir Keir Starmer’s government has appointed Dame Antonia Romeo as the new Cabinet Secretary and head of the civil service, marking the first time a woman has held the country’s most senior civil service role. Her appointment comes after the removal of Sir Chris Wormald, just 14 months into his tenure, and has sparked debate over her previous leadership style and focus on inclusivity initiatives. A Trailblazer With a Controversial Track Record Dame Antonia, 51, previously led the Department for International Trade (DIT), the Ministry of Justice, and the Home Office. During her time at DIT from 2017 to 2021, reports indicate that civil servants were encouraged to engage with inclusivity objectives, including raising awareness of non-binary identities and promoting gender inclusivity in the workplace. One staff member was reportedly tasked with dedicating up to 20 percent of their time to initiatives such as encouraging colleagues to display preferred pronouns, recruiting non-binary staff, and participating in the department’s “gender non-conforming book club.” Members of the club read works like Middlesex, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Jeffrey Eugenides, as well as books about gender transition. Inclusivity Objectives in Annual Reviews According to reports, these inclusivity tasks contributed roughly 5 percent to a civil servant’s annual performance appraisal. Additional expectations reportedly included engaging with the non-binary corporate network and challenging societal norms that reinforce traditional gender roles. A Cabinet Office spokesperson emphasized that the objectives were agreed between employees and their line managers, not directly set by Dame Antonia. “Antonia was not involved in setting these objectives,” the spokesperson said. Political Reactions and Public Debate The appointment has divided opinion. Reform UK spokesman Zia Yusuf criticized the Prime Minister for appointing someone dubbed “the Queen of Woke” to the UK’s most powerful civil service position, calling her “the embodiment of all that’s wrong with The Blob.” Conversely, former Tory chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, now a member of Reform UK, welcomed the appointment, describing Dame Antonia as a “good appointment.” Downing Street also defended the selection, noting that an enhanced due diligence process was carried out before her appointment. Past Allegations and Clearance Dame Antonia previously faced accusations of bullying related to her time as Consul-General in New York in 2017. However, the Cabinet Office cleared her of these allegations. She has spent nearly a decade leading economic, public services, and security departments and is recognized for her record of delivering for the British public. Leadership in a Time of Change Her appointment comes at a time when the civil service is under scrutiny for its role in implementing government policies while navigating cultural and political sensitivities. Supporters point to her experience across multiple departments as evidence of her ability to manage complex operations at the highest level of government. What’s Next? Dame Antonia’s immediate focus will be overseeing the civil service, ensuring effective policy implementation, and maintaining morale within Whitehall. Observers will watch closely to see how she balances her leadership responsibilities with public and political scrutiny over past inclusivity initiatives. Analysts suggest that her tenure could set precedents for how diversity, equity, and inclusion are integrated into senior civil service roles. Summary By GREG HEFFER, POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT Published: 07:08 EST, 20 February 2026 | Updated: 09:01 EST, 20 February 2026 Dame Antonia Romeo has been appointed the UK’s first female Cabinet Secretary, succeeding Sir Chris Wormald. Her tenure at the Department for International Trade drew attention for inclusivity initiatives, including staff participation in a “gender non-conforming book club” and promoting awareness of non-binary identities, which reportedly contributed to annual performance reviews. While her appointment has sparked criticism from some political figures, the Cabinet Office clarified she did not personally set these objectives. Cleared of past bullying allegations, Dame Antonia brings extensive experience leading major government departments, and her leadership will now shape the civil service amid ongoing debates about diversity and workplace culture.
Sir Keir Starmer’s government has appointed Dame Antonia Romeo as the new Cabinet Secretary and head of the civil service, marking the first time a woman has held the country’s most senior civil service role. Her appointment comes after the removal of Sir Chris Wormald, just 14 months into his tenure, and has sparked debate over her previous leadership style and focus on inclusivity initiatives. A Trailblazer With a Controversial Track Record Dame Antonia, 51, previously led the Department for International Trade (DIT), the Ministry of Justice, and the Home Office. During her time at DIT from 2017 to 2021, reports indicate that civil servants were encouraged to engage with inclusivity objectives, including raising awareness of non-binary identities and promoting gender inclusivity in the workplace. One staff member was reportedly tasked with dedicating up to 20 percent of their time to initiatives such as encouraging colleagues to display preferred pronouns, recruiting non-binary staff, and participating in the department’s “gender non-conforming book club.” Members of the club read works like Middlesex, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Jeffrey Eugenides, as well as books about gender transition. Inclusivity Objectives in Annual Reviews According to reports, these inclusivity tasks contributed roughly 5 percent to a civil servant’s annual performance appraisal. Additional expectations reportedly included engaging with the non-binary corporate network and challenging societal norms that reinforce traditional gender roles. A Cabinet Office spokesperson emphasized that the objectives were agreed between employees and their line managers, not directly set by Dame Antonia. “Antonia was not involved in setting these objectives,” the spokesperson said. Political Reactions and Public Debate The appointment has divided opinion. Reform UK spokesman Zia Yusuf criticized the Prime Minister for appointing someone dubbed “the Queen of Woke” to the UK’s most powerful civil service position, calling her “the embodiment of all that’s wrong with The Blob.” Conversely, former Tory chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, now a member of Reform UK, welcomed the appointment, describing Dame Antonia as a “good appointment.” Downing Street also defended the selection, noting that an enhanced due diligence process was carried out before her appointment. Past Allegations and Clearance Dame Antonia previously faced accusations of bullying related to her time as Consul-General in New York in 2017. However, the Cabinet Office cleared her of these allegations. She has spent nearly a decade leading economic, public services, and security departments and is recognized for her record of delivering for the British public. Leadership in a Time of Change Her appointment comes at a time when the civil service is under scrutiny for its role in implementing government policies while navigating cultural and political sensitivities. Supporters point to her experience across multiple departments as evidence of her ability to manage complex operations at the highest level of government. What’s Next? Dame Antonia’s immediate focus will be overseeing the civil service, ensuring effective policy implementation, and maintaining morale within Whitehall. Observers will watch closely to see how she balances her leadership responsibilities with public and political scrutiny over past inclusivity initiatives. Analysts suggest that her tenure could set precedents for how diversity, equity, and inclusion are integrated into senior civil service roles. Summary By GREG HEFFER, POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT Published: 07:08 EST, 20 February 2026 | Updated: 09:01 EST, 20 February 2026 Dame Antonia Romeo has been appointed the UK’s first female Cabinet Secretary, succeeding Sir Chris Wormald. Her tenure at the Department for International Trade drew attention for inclusivity initiatives, including staff participation in a “gender non-conforming book club” and promoting awareness of non-binary identities, which reportedly contributed to annual performance reviews. While her appointment has sparked criticism from some political figures, the Cabinet Office clarified she did not personally set these objectives. Cleared of past bullying allegations, Dame Antonia brings extensive experience leading major government departments, and her leadership will now shape the civil service amid ongoing debates about diversity and workplace culture.
Temitope Oke
By Temitope Oke
Published: February 20, 2026 | 9:54 PM GMT

Sir Keir Starmer’s government has appointed Dame Antonia Romeo as the new Cabinet Secretary and head of the civil service, marking the first time a woman has held the country’s most senior civil service role.

Her appointment comes after the removal of Sir Chris Wormald, just 14 months into his tenure, and has sparked debate over her previous leadership style and focus on inclusivity initiatives.

A Trailblazer With a Controversial Track Record

Dame Antonia, 51, previously led the Department for International Trade (DIT), the Ministry of Justice, and the Home Office.

During her time at DIT from 2017 to 2021, reports indicate that civil servants were encouraged to engage with inclusivity objectives, including raising awareness of non-binary identities and promoting gender inclusivity in the workplace.

One staff member was reportedly tasked with dedicating up to 20 percent of their time to initiatives such as encouraging colleagues to display preferred pronouns, recruiting non-binary staff, and participating in the department’s “gender non-conforming book club.”

Members of the club read works like Middlesex, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Jeffrey Eugenides, as well as books about gender transition.

Inclusivity Objectives in Annual Reviews

According to reports, these inclusivity tasks contributed roughly 5 percent to a civil servant’s annual performance appraisal.

Additional expectations reportedly included engaging with the non-binary corporate network and challenging societal norms that reinforce traditional gender roles.

A Cabinet Office spokesperson emphasized that the objectives were agreed between employees and their line managers, not directly set by Dame Antonia.

“Antonia was not involved in setting these objectives,” the spokesperson said.

Political Reactions and Public Debate

The appointment has divided opinion.

Suggested Readings (News continues below)

Reform UK spokesman Zia Yusuf criticized the Prime Minister for appointing someone dubbed “the Queen of Woke” to the UK’s most powerful civil service position, calling her “the embodiment of all that’s wrong with The Blob.”

Conversely, former Tory chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, now a member of Reform UK, welcomed the appointment, describing Dame Antonia as a “good appointment.”

Downing Street also defended the selection, noting that an enhanced due diligence process was carried out before her appointment.

Past Allegations and Clearance

Dame Antonia previously faced accusations of bullying related to her time as Consul-General in New York in 2017.

However, the Cabinet Office cleared her of these allegations.

She has spent nearly a decade leading economic, public services, and security departments and is recognized for her record of delivering for the British public.

Leadership in a Time of Change

Her appointment comes at a time when the civil service is under scrutiny for its role in implementing government policies while navigating cultural and political sensitivities.

Supporters point to her experience across multiple departments as evidence of her ability to manage complex operations at the highest level of government.

What’s Next?

Dame Antonia’s immediate focus will be overseeing the civil service, ensuring effective policy implementation, and maintaining morale within Whitehall.

Observers will watch closely to see how she balances her leadership responsibilities with public and political scrutiny over past inclusivity initiatives.

Analysts suggest that her tenure could set precedents for how diversity, equity, and inclusion are integrated into senior civil service roles.

Summary

By GREG HEFFER, POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT

Published: 07:08 EST, 20 February 2026 | Updated: 09:01 EST, 20 February 2026

Dame Antonia Romeo has been appointed the UK’s first female Cabinet Secretary, succeeding Sir Chris Wormald.

Her tenure at the Department for International Trade drew attention for inclusivity initiatives, including staff participation in a “gender non-conforming book club” and promoting awareness of non-binary identities, which reportedly contributed to annual performance reviews.

While her appointment has sparked criticism from some political figures, the Cabinet Office clarified she did not personally set these objectives.

Cleared of past bullying allegations, Dame Antonia brings extensive experience leading major government departments, and her leadership will now shape the civil service amid ongoing debates about diversity and workplace culture.

Spread the News. Auto-share on
Facebook Twitter Reddit LinkedIn
Related News

Temitope Oke profile photo on TDPel Media

About Temitope Oke

Temitope Oke is an experienced copywriter and editor. With a deep understanding of the Nigerian market and global trends, he crafts compelling, persuasive, and engaging content tailored to various audiences. His expertise spans digital marketing, content creation, SEO, and brand messaging. He works with diverse clients, helping them communicate effectively through clear, concise, and impactful language. Passionate about storytelling, he combines creativity with strategic thinking to deliver results that resonate.