Britain’s civil service has a new leader
The Economist
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The appointment of Dame Antonia Romeo as Sir Keir Starmer's new cabinet secretary marks a significant shift in Britain’s civil service leadership. Known for her no-nonsense approach, Romeo has already made her mark by emphasizing a results-driven culture within government. Her recent memo to senior civil servants highlights her focus on delivery, initiative, and clear objectives, signaling a departure from past approaches.
In her memo, Romeo stressed the importance of removing obstacles that hinder progress and taking proactive steps to achieve outcomes. She urged civil servants to set measurable goals and hold themselves accountable for performance. This approach aligns closely with Starmer’s vision of a more dynamic and effective government machine.
Romeo’s leadership style reflects her belief in empowering staff while maintaining high standards. She has made it clear that she will support those who take calculated risks and make tough decisions, fostering an environment where innovation and accountability go hand in hand. This philosophy is likely to influence how the civil service operates under Starmer’s tenure.
For businesses, this shift matters because a more results-oriented government could lead to faster decision-making and clearer communication between policymakers and private sector stakeholders. A streamlined approach to governance may also create new opportunities for collaboration and innovation in public-private partnerships.
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Originally published on The Economist on 2/26/2026