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Starmer Appoints Antonia Romeo as First Female Cabinet Secretary

2/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sir Keir Starmer will appoint Dame Antonia Romeo, a Civil Service official, as Britain's first female Cabinet Secretary.
She will replace Sir Chris Wormald, who resigned amid a shake-up in the Prime Minister’s team.
Romeo, 51, has Civil Service experience in the Home Office, Ministry of Justice, and Department for International Trade.
She is described as a delivery-focused disruptor.
The appointment comes during a challenging period for Starmer's leadership.

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Story summary

Sir Keir Starmer will appoint Dame Antonia Romeo, a Civil Service official, as Britain's first female Cabinet Secretary.
She will replace Sir Chris Wormald, who resigned amid a shake-up in the Prime Minister’s team.
Romeo, 51, has Civil Service experience in the Home Office, Ministry of Justice, and Department for International Trade.
She is described as a delivery-focused disruptor.
The appointment comes during a challenging period for Starmer's leadership.