Antonia Romeo: Management Style Scrutiny Amid Cabinet Secretary Race
The race to become the UK's next Cabinet Secretary, the country's most senior civil servant, has intensified with scrutiny falling on a leading contender, Dame Antonia Romeo. While understood to be the government's favoured candidate, recent revelations have brought her management and leadership style under the spotlight, following an inquiry into a complaint made during her tenure in New York in 2017.
According to reports, Dame Antonia was investigated over three allegations related to her use of expenses and accusations of bullying when she served as the government's consul-general in New York. However, a letter seen by BBC News from Rupert McNeil, the then-government chief people officer, clearly stated that "there is no case to answer." Despite the dismissal of the allegations, a source indicated that Dame Antonia faced "tough conversations" regarding her leadership approach.
Past Allegations and Investigation Outcome
The New York Complaint
The allegations stemmed from a single complaint and were reportedly concerning her conduct in New York. The investigation, which concluded in March 2017, found no grounds for further action. Rupert McNeil's letter to Dame Antonia acknowledged the distressing nature of such processes but highlighted their value as sources of feedback on management and leadership style. He noted her awareness and the "rich insight" gained from the experience.
The letter, marked "official - sensitive," was shared with a number of senior figures at the time, including the then-Cabinet Secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood, John Manzoni (then-Permanent Secretary at the Cabinet Office), and Sir Kim Darroch, the then-British Ambassador to the US. This indicates the seriousness with which the initial complaint and its resolution were treated at the highest levels of government.
Differing Perspectives on Leadership
Concerns Raised and Defended
Adding a layer of complexity to the appointment process, Lord McDonald, who was then-head of the Foreign Office, has made an "unusual intervention," expressing concerns and suggesting that "more due diligence" is needed regarding Dame Antonia's potential appointment. He stated to Channel 4 News that if the media-mentioned candidate is indeed the one, "the due diligence has some way still to go."
However, these concerns have been met with strong defence from others within government. Many have vociferously defended Dame Antonia, labelling Lord McDonald's comments as "disgusting" and "hugely irresponsible." Supporters point to her extensive and successful career in public service.
Testimonials of Excellence
One official who has recently worked with Dame Antonia described her as "the most inspiring leader in the civil service." This sentiment is echoed by many who are reportedly "outraged and completely baffled" by the public discussion of past events. They emphasise that she is a leader people "follow and want to work with."
Further bolstering her defence, another official highlighted that in the nine years since the New York investigation, Dame Antonia has successfully led three government departments, overseeing a combined staff of approximately 150,000 people, without a single further complaint being lodged. This track record is presented as strong evidence of her effective leadership and ability to manage large teams.
A Record of Public Service
Extensive Experience
Dame Antonia Romeo has a distinguished career spanning senior roles across several key government departments. Her experience includes significant positions at the Department for International Trade, the Ministry of Justice, and the Home Office. This breadth of experience is seen by many as crucial for the demanding role of Cabinet Secretary, which involves advising the Prime Minister and overseeing the entire civil service.
Sir Matthew Rycroft, who was the UK Permanent Representative to the UN when Romeo was in New York, confirmed that the decision-maker, the CEO of the Civil Service, concluded "no case to answer." He added that he had reviewed the relevant documentation himself and was satisfied with the outcome. Similarly, Rupert McNeil, as head of Civil Service Human Resources at the time, reiterated that the investigation was thorough and independent, concluding no case to answer. He also condemned the "reprehensible and hypocritical" nature of the "smears" being thrown against her, arguing they undermine the integrity of civil service investigations.
The Role of Cabinet Secretary
Significance and Expectations
The Cabinet Secretary is a pivotal figure in the UK government, acting as the chief advisor to the Prime Minister and head of the Civil Service. The role demands exceptional leadership, integrity, and the ability to manage complex policy challenges across government. The appointment process typically involves rigorous vetting and consideration of a candidate's entire career.
The current debate surrounding Dame Antonia Romeo's past management style raises important questions about the balance between ensuring robust due diligence and acknowledging a proven track record of public service. As the government weighs its decision, the extensive experience and strong endorsements of Dame Antonia Romeo are set against lingering questions about her past leadership interactions, highlighting the multifaceted nature of selecting the nation's top civil servant.
