Starmer's Appointment of Antonia Romeo as Head of Civil Service Draws Criticism from Former Colleagues
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's decision to appoint Antonia Romeo as the country's most senior civil servant has prompted significant dismay among former colleagues who worked with her during her diplomatic posting in New York nearly a decade ago. These individuals have expressed concern about what they describe as bullying behavior that was formally complained about in 2017.
Historical Complaints Resurface
Several people who worked alongside Romeo at the New York consulate have told media outlets they are deeply upset by the prime minister's decision to make her cabinet secretary, particularly given their previous formal complaints. The allegations from multiple colleagues were consolidated into one official complaint in 2017, which was investigated by senior diplomat Tim Hitchens, a former ambassador to Japan.
Hitchens conducted a week-long review and found that Romeo had a case to answer regarding her management style, though he cleared her of any wrongdoing concerning financial matters. However, this finding was subsequently overturned by her line managers at the Cabinet Office, who dismissed the complaint entirely and gave her full clearance.
Concerns About Due Diligence
The complaint has resurfaced in recent days after Simon McDonald, the former lead civil servant at the Foreign Office, urged the prime minister to conduct more thorough due diligence before finalizing the appointment. Despite these objections, Starmer confirmed Romeo's appointment on Thursday, making her the first female cabinet secretary in British history.
One former complainant expressed frustration, stating: "It is pretty extraordinary but not exactly out of character for the current No 10. It is just another example of poor judgment, and the elevation of those with questionable integrity despite the concerns raised by ordinary people."
Specific Allegations of Bullying Behavior
According to the 2017 complaint, Romeo allegedly told several colleagues she would end or damage their careers following disagreements in the normal course of work. One specific allegation claims that Romeo warned a junior staff member that refusing to comply with a particular request was a "career-limiting move" and "would only happen once."
Another individual who disagreed with one of Romeo's ideas reported being told that Romeo "would make sure [that person's] reputation and career in London suffered." Multiple complainants have noted that most of those allegedly bullied or intimidated were women, raising additional concerns about workplace culture.
Financial Matters and Spending Decisions
The complaint also included allegations concerning Romeo's financial affairs during her time in New York. These included her arrangement with Farrow & Ball to provide more than $100,000 worth of paint to redecorate her official residence in exchange for free publicity, as well as a $250 expense claim for a taxi to a football match. While Hitchens' investigation found no case to answer on financial matters, these spending decisions have contributed to the ongoing controversy.
Government Response and Defense
Government sources have insisted that the allegations against Romeo should not be held against her, arguing they are ten years old and were formally dismissed at the time by the Cabinet Office. Downing Street has maintained that full vetting took place when she was previously considered for the position, and that civil service commissioner Gisela Stuart confirmed the complete process did not need to be repeated.
Starmer publicly defended his decision on Friday, calling Romeo "an outstanding public servant, with a 25-year record of delivering for the British people." He added: "Antonia has shown she is the right person to drive the government to reform and I look forward to working with her to deliver this period of national renewal."
Romeo's Response and Divided Opinions
Romeo herself described the appointment as a "huge privilege" to become head of the civil service. She stated: "The civil service is a great and remarkable institution, which I love. We should be known for delivery, efficiency and innovation, working to implement the government's agenda and meet the challenges the country faces."
Supporters characterize Romeo as dynamic and willing to break civil service conventions to achieve government objectives. However, critics argue she is more focused on self-promotion than serving the government, and that her impatience with junior staff has sometimes crossed into bullying behavior.
Three original complainants have contacted the Cabinet Office in recent weeks to reiterate their concerns about her previous conduct, suggesting this controversy may continue to shadow her historic appointment as Britain's first female cabinet secretary.
