Appointment of Antonia Romeo as head of civil service shows ‘poor judgment’ say former colleagues

The Guardian World

by Kiran Stacey Policy editor

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Antonia Romeo’s appointment as the first female cabinet secretary has sparked criticism, with former colleagues accusing her of displaying poor judgment during her tenure at the New York consulate. In 2017, she faced allegations of bullying behavior while working in New York, which have resurfaced following Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision to promote her to such a senior role. Despite knowing about these complaints, Starmer proceeded with the appointment, leading to disappointment among those who worked alongside Romeo nearly a decade ago. Romeo’s promotion has raised eyebrows due to the nature of the allegations and the timing of their disclosure. Critics argue that her past actions could undermine trust in her leadership abilities as the country’s most senior civil servant. This decision has also drawn attention because it comes during a period when public scrutiny of leadership behavior is heightened, particularly regarding issues of integrity and accountability. The controversy highlights broader concerns about the selection process for high-ranking government positions. Questions have been raised about whether Starmer’s team adequately considered Romeo’s past conduct before appointing her. Critics suggest that ignoring these allegations sets a concerning precedent, potentially encouraging similar behavior in other diplomats and civil servants. This situation also underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in leadership roles. The public’s interest in such matters is driven by a desire for leaders who embody ethical standards and can command respect across all sectors of society. As the first female to hold this position, Romeo’s appointment carries significant symbolic weight, but her past behavior has cast doubt on whether she is truly fit for the role. Ultimately, the debate over Romeo’s suitability reflects deeper anxieties about leadership credibility in both national and international contexts. For readers interested in world news and politics, this story offers insight into the challenges of balancing merit with ethical

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/19/2026