Civil Service Shakeup: Calls for Scrutiny as Romeo Emerges as Frontrunner for Cabinet Secretary
The United Kingdom government faces mounting pressure to conduct a more rigorous vetting process as it prepares to replace Chris Wormald with Antonia Romeo as the next Cabinet Secretary. The potential appointment has sparked debate and calls for increased due diligence from within the highest echelons of the civil service.
A planned announcement regarding Wormald’s departure, after just one year in the role, was delayed on Wednesday, signaling internal deliberations and scrutiny surrounding the succession process. Multiple sources indicate the position will be filled on an interim basis by a collective of officials while the search continues.
Concerns Raised Over Appointment Process
Sir Simon McDonald, the former Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Office, publicly urged No. 10 to reconsider its approach. He stated, “The due diligence needs to be thorough. If the candidate mentioned in the media is the one, in my view, the due diligence has some way still to go.” McDonald revealed he previously attempted to advise No. 10 that the selection process should begin anew to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of potential candidates.
The emphasis on thoroughness underscores the critical importance of the Cabinet Secretary role, which serves as the principal advisor to the Prime Minister and head of the Civil Service.
Romeo’s Position and Potential Rivals
Romeo, currently the Permanent Secretary at the Home Office, has long been considered the leading candidate. She was previously shortlisted for the position and is viewed as a dynamic figure who represents a departure from the traditional civil service mold, contrasting with Wormald’s perceived shortcomings in driving Whitehall reform.
However, her appointment is not yet guaranteed. Sources within government have clarified that the process remains open, despite previous assessments deeming her “appointable.” Other individuals considered for the role include Tamara Finkelstein, who has since left the civil service, and Olly Robbins of the Foreign Office.
A History of Support and Scrutiny
Romeo has garnered support within the civil service for her past actions, notably her warning to then-Justice Secretary Dominic Raab regarding behavior that ultimately led to findings of bullying conduct towards officials. She has also reportedly impressed Shabana Mahmood at the Home Office.
Despite this support, questions remain regarding Romeo’s spending during her tenure as consul general in New York in 2017, while working under McDonald at the Foreign Office. A subsequent Cabinet Office investigation cleared her of any wrongdoing, but McDonald indicated he would like to revisit the matter during the current vetting process.
A government source vehemently defended Romeo, stating, “There is absolutely no basis for this criticism. Antonia Romeo is a highly respected permanent secretary with a 25-year record of excellent public service. The allegations all come from a single grievance made some time ago by a former employee. All the allegations were dismissed on the basis there was no case to answer.”
The Cabinet Office has declined to comment on speculation surrounding both Wormald’s departure and Romeo’s potential promotion. The situation remains fluid, with the outcome poised to significantly shape the future direction of the UK civil service.
