Former Diplomat Raises Concerns Over Cabinet Secretary Selection Process
Sir Simon McDonald, the former permanent secretary of the Foreign Office, has publicly urged Downing Street to conduct more rigorous due diligence in the process of appointing a new cabinet secretary. This comes as Antonia Romeo, currently permanent secretary at the Home Office, is widely considered the frontrunner to replace Chris Wormald, who is departing after just one year in the role.
McDonald's Warning to No 10
In an interview with Channel 4 News, McDonald emphasized the critical importance of thorough vetting for such a significant position. "The due diligence needs to be thorough," he stated. "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 had attempted to warn No 10 this week that the appointment process should essentially restart to ensure proper procedure is followed.
Romeo's Background and Controversies
Antonia Romeo, who previously served as consul general in New York under McDonald's leadership at the Foreign Office, has faced scrutiny over her spending during that posting in 2017. A subsequent Cabinet Office investigation cleared her of any wrongdoing, but McDonald indicated he would like to discuss these matters with No 10 through their formal vetting channels.
Romeo is viewed as a dynamic figure within the civil service, contrasting with the more traditional approach of Wormald, who is reportedly being replaced partly due to concerns about his ability to drive Whitehall reforms. She earned respect for confronting former justice secretary Dominic Raab over behavior that led to bullying allegations, and has impressed colleagues including Shabana Mahmood at the Home Office.
Government Response and Current Status
A government source 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."
Meanwhile, No 10 delayed announcing Wormald's departure on Wednesday, with multiple sources indicating that a new cabinet secretary would not be named immediately. The role is expected to be split among acting officials temporarily, and it is not considered a "done deal" that Romeo will ultimately secure the position, despite her previous inclusion on the shortlist a year ago.
Other Candidates and Political Context
Other potential candidates for the cabinet secretary role include Tamara Finkelstein, who has since left the civil service, and Olly Robbins at the Foreign Office, who was leading the department during Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador. The selection process occurs amid broader discussions about civil service reform and the role's importance in government operations.
A Cabinet Office spokesperson declined to comment on speculation regarding Wormald's departure or Romeo's potential promotion, maintaining that such matters are internal processes. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between traditional civil service protocols and the push for modernization within Whitehall.
