Headlines
UK appoints first woman to lead the civil service
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 19, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 19, 2026
Tags:Economy
Quick Summary
On Feb 19, 2026, PM Keir Starmer named Antonia Romeo Cabinet Secretary, the first woman in the role. She replaces Chris Wormald, who resigned last week amid controversy over Peter Mandelson’s US ambassador appointment.
LONDON, Feb 19 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday appointed Antonia Romeo as Cabinet Secretary, making her the first woman to take on the most senior civil service position and charging her with the task of driving the government's reform agenda.
She will succeed Chris Wormald, who last week became the third member of Starmer's team to leave government after a row over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as British ambassador to the United States.
Romeo has worked in several government departments, most recently permanent secretary at the interior ministry.
Starmer said Romeo was an "outstanding public servant" and he had been "impressed by her professionalism and determination to get things done".
"Antonia has shown she is the right person to drive the government to reform," he said.
Her appointment, effective immediately, comes after the BBC earlier this week reported that she had faced allegations of bullying behaviour from several people from the time when she was a senior diplomat in New York.
Prior to her appointment, the prime minister's spokesperson said there had been one formal complaint raised nine years ago, "and the allegations were dismissed on the basis there was no case to answer."
Romeo, who joined the civil service in 2000 as a professional economist, has previously served as consul general in New York and as special envoy to U.S. technology companies, also based in New York.
She has also served as permanent secretary at the justice ministry and held the same role at the department for international trade.
Romeo said it was a "huge privilege" to lead the civil service, which she said was "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," she said in a statement.
(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti; additional reporting by Alistair Smout; writing by Muvija MEditing by William Schomberg)
Key Takeaways
- •Keir Starmer appointed Antonia Romeo as Cabinet Secretary on Feb 19, 2026.
- •Romeo becomes the first woman to lead the UK civil service.
- •She succeeds Chris Wormald, who resigned on Feb 12, 2026.
- •Wormald’s exit followed a row over Peter Mandelson’s US ambassador appointment.
- •The move marks a significant leadership shift at the top of Whitehall.
Frequently Asked Questions about UK appoints first woman to lead the civil service
1What is the main topic?
The UK has appointed Antonia Romeo as Cabinet Secretary, making her the first woman to hold the top civil service role. The decision was announced in London on Feb 19, 2026.
2Who did she replace and why did he step down?
Romeo replaces Chris Wormald, who resigned on Feb 12, 2026 after criticism linked to the handling of Peter Mandelson’s appointment as UK ambassador to the United States.
3Is Antonia Romeo the first woman to serve as Cabinet Secretary?
Yes. Antonia Romeo is the first woman appointed as the UK’s Cabinet Secretary, marking a historic milestone for the civil service.
