Antonia Romeo becomes UK's first female cabinet secretary

For the first time in UK history, a woman has been appointed to the top civil service post.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer appointed Antonia Romeo as cabinet secretary on Thursday, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the country's administrative history, reports Reuters.

Romeo replaces Chris Warmmond, who became the third person in Starmer's government to resign last week amid controversy surrounding the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the United States.

Romeo has served in several key UK government departments. She most recently served as permanent secretary at the Home Office. She was previously permanent secretary at the Department of Justice and the Department of International Trade. She also served as consul general in New York and as a special envoy to US technology companies.

UK Prime Minister Starmer described Romeo as an "extraordinary public servant" and said he was impressed by her professionalism and determination to get the job done. He said Romeo was the right person to take the government's reform agenda forward.

However, a report published in the British media before his appointment said that he had been accused of harassment while working in New York. In this regard, the Prime Minister's spokesman said that a formal complaint was made nine years ago but it was dismissed as unfounded.

Romeo joined the civil service in 2000 as a professional economist. In a statement after being appointed as Cabinet Secretary, he said that it was a "huge honour" for him to lead the civil service. He described it as an "ordinary and unique institution" that he loved.

Romeo also said that he must demonstrate efficiency, effectiveness and innovative energy in implementing government programs and addressing the country's challenges. His appointment is effective immediately.