Rising Concerns Over Cabinet Secretary Appointment
Sir Keir Starmer is under increasing pressure to carefully consider the appointment of a controversial figure to lead the civil service. New concerns have emerged about the candidate’s record, raising questions about whether the Prime Minister is rushing the process.
The Prime Minister has already faced criticism from within Whitehall and political opponents for removing Sir Chris Wormald after just a year in his role. This move is seen as an attempt to salvage his leadership amid ongoing challenges. Now, there are fears that he may bypass a thorough recruitment process to appoint his preferred candidate for Cabinet Secretary: Dame Antonia Romeo, a senior Home Office official.
Downing Street has been urged to examine a series of failures that occurred during her tenure at the Ministry of Justice. These include allegations of bullying, which she was later cleared of, and a series of high-profile missteps that have drawn sharp criticism from various quarters.
A History of Controversy
Dame Antonia’s past has come under scrutiny, particularly regarding her role in the £4 billion privatisation of the probation service, which was eventually scrapped. As the head of the Transforming Rehabilitation programme, she emphasized the importance of listening and understanding the situation. However, the reforms, which involved private firms overseeing criminals post-release, were deemed “irredeemably flawed” by watchdogs and ultimately abandoned.
Richard Garside, Director of the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, commented on her actions, stating that while she followed through on decisions made by others, some believed she could have pushed back more effectively. He noted that she remained long enough to implement the changes but not to address the resulting issues.
Recent Failures and Criticism
In 2021, Dame Antonia returned to the Ministry of Justice as its Permanent Secretary. When questioned by MPs about the probation service, she claimed it was performing “an absolutely excellent job.” However, a report by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) painted a different picture, stating that the service’s performance had worsened since being brought under public control in 2021.
Another point of contention is the MoJ’s decision to sign a 10-year lease on HMP Dartmoor, costing taxpayers up to £100 million. The site was closed in July 2024 due to safety concerns related to radon gas. PAC chairman Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown described this as a “perfect example of a department reaching for a solution, any solution, in a blind panic.”
Dame Antonia was questioned about the lease and simply replied, “It is the contract.” This response drew further criticism, highlighting the lack of accountability for such decisions.
Mixed Reactions and Support
Despite these controversies, some who have worked with Dame Antonia argue that many of the problems were beyond her control. One senior figure even suggested she would be the best candidate to lead the civil service, citing her intelligence, practical advice, and ability to navigate Whitehall politics.
“She’s a ruthless operator who serves her political master,” the source said. “I’m not sure she inspires massive confidence in her underlings, but you want someone who is loyal to the Secretary of State, not the blob.”
A government source added that Dame Antonia is a “disrupter” who challenges the status quo. They argued that her ability to push against entrenched systems makes her an ideal leader for the civil service during a time of crisis.
Calls for Accountability
Meanwhile, a former Cabinet Secretary has urged Sir Keir to take control of his special advisers after briefings against the ousted Sir Chris Wormald, who is now set to receive a £260,000 payoff. Lord O’Donnell criticized the anonymous briefings, calling them “shabby” and questioning the integrity of the process.
As the debate over the next Cabinet Secretary continues, the focus remains on ensuring that the right person is chosen—not just for their qualifications, but for their ability to lead the civil service through a period of significant change and challenge.
