Starmer appoints Romeo as head of UK civil service
Sir Keir Starmer has appointed Dame Antonia Romeo as the UK's top civil servant.
Dame Antonia will be the first female to hold the position in the role's 110-year history.
Sir Keir was captivated by her ability to get stuff done
earlier in her career, according to government sources, who told the BBC that she was inspired by her "get things done.
Three charges relating to Dame Antonia's use of money and bullying of employees when she was the UK consul general in New York were investigated; according to the government, there was "no evidence to answer.
The cabinet secretary is the prime minister's most senior policy advisor, and he appears alongside them at cabinet minister meetings, which usually take place weekly in Downing Street when Parliament is sitting.
They are responsible for making sure that policy decisions are carried out and are ultimately accountable for all civil servants in the United Kingdom.
Dame Antonia has a long history in top government roles, including stints as permanent secretary at the Home Office, International Trade, and the Ministry of Justice.
Following a due diligence process overseen by crossbench peer Baroness Gisela Stuart, First Civil Service Commissioner, her appointment was made.
Dame Antonia is a outstanding public servant
with a 25-year track record of serving for the British people, according to Sir Keir.
"I've been impressed by her professionalism and determination to get things done since being Prime Minister.
The Civil Service is a tremendous and wonderful service, which I adore,
Dame Antonia said.
We should be known for quality, effectiveness, and innovation,
the government's plan is to carry out the government and address the country's challenges.
Sir Chris Wormald, who was forced out as cabinet secretary last week after only serving in the position for only 14 months, was replaced by Dame Antonia.
Sir Chris is the shortest-serving cabinet secretary in history.
His resignation came after months of negative media reports that Downing Street was dissatisfied with his results.
Sir Chris will be tasked with
complete rewiring of the British state to deliver bold and optimistic long-term reform
at the time of his appointment.
Some questioned whether he was the right one to reform the Civil Service as a career civil servant.
Sir Chris had primary responsibility for the due diligence checks carried out before Lord Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador, but he took up the position only a few days before the appointment was officially announced.
Lord Mandelson was fired from his role as a child financier; according to Downing Street, new details about his paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein's friendship had surfaced.
