Starmer appoints Dame Antonia Romeo as head of UK civil service

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has appointed Dame Antonia Romeo as cabinet secretary, the UK's top civil servant.

Dame Antonia will be the first woman to hold the post in the role's 110-year history.

She faced multiple bullying complaints earlier in her career but government sources have told the BBC that Sir Keir was impressed by her ability to "get things done".

The government has previously said three allegations relating to Dame Antonia's use of expenses and bullying of staff when she was the UK's consul general in New York were investigated and there was "no case to answer".

The cabinet secretary is the prime minister's most senior policy adviser and sits next to them during cabinet minister meetings, which usually take place weekly in Downing Street when Parliament is sitting.

They are responsible for ensuring policy decisions are put into action and is ultimately responsible for all civil servants in Great Britain.

Dame Antonia has a long track record of leading government departments including spells as permanent secretary at the Home Office, International Trade and the Ministry of Justice.

Her appointment was made following a due diligence process overseen by crossbench peer Baroness Gisela Stuart, the First Civil Service Commissioner.

Sir Keir said Dame Antonia is an "outstanding public servant, with a 25‑year record of delivering for the British people".

He said: "Since becoming prime minister, I've been impressed by her professionalism and determination to get things done."

Dame Antonia said it was a "huge privilege" to be appointed, adding: "The Civil Service is a great and remarkable institution, which I love.

"We should be known for delivery, efficiency and innovation, working to implement the government's agenda and meet the challenges the country faces."

Sir Chris is the shortest serving cabinet secretary in history.