The United Kingdom has appointed Antonia Romeo as the new Cabinet Secretary and head of the Civil Service, making her the most senior non‑political official in the British government, Reuters reported on Thursday. This role places Romeo at the heart of government operations, overseeing the civil service and advising both ministers and the prime minister.
Romeo, who previously served as Permanent Secretary at the Department for International Trade, succeeds Simon Case in the top civil service position. Her appointment comes at a time of significant political and economic challenges for the UK, including efforts to strengthen public administration, manage ongoing fiscal pressures and deliver key government initiatives.
In her new role, Romeo will act as principal policy adviser to the prime minister and cabinet, provide leadership to the UK’s Home Civil Service and ensure effective coordination across government departments. She is expected to play a central part in implementing reforms aimed at improving efficiency and accountability in public services. Senior Whitehall figures described her as a seasoned and respected operator with deep experience in government.
Romeo’s appointment was welcomed by officials who see her track record in international trade, regulatory quality and cross‑government strategic work as strong credentials for steering the civil service through a period of both domestic and global uncertainty.
No immediate statement was released by Romeo following the announcement, but her elevation to the civil service’s most senior post marks a key moment in the UK’s administrative leadership.
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