Civil Service Chief's £8.5m Home Renovation Sparks Neighbour Dispute
The exclusive West London neighbourhood surrounding Dame Antonia Romeo's £8.5 million townhouse has experienced a turbulent fortnight. Residents who may have been unaware of their high-profile neighbour just weeks ago have now become acutely conscious of her presence following her historic appointment as the first woman to lead the UK Civil Service.
Builder's Foul-Mouthed Outburst
The situation escalated dramatically when neighbours reported hearing a builder employed for the property's extensive £2 million renovation project shouting 'F*** yourself! Mind your own f***ing business!' during a confrontation about parking issues. The builder, reportedly working for Dame Antonia's husband John Romeo, a private equity chief, allegedly directed this abusive language at a neighbour who questioned the blocking of parking spaces.
One neighbour, whose partner suffers from cancer, described the distressing incident to the Daily Mail: 'My partner drove round and round looking for parking this week. When asking the builders to unblock the space, he was told to "f*** yourself, mind your own f***ing business" in a very unpleasant way.'
Parking Violations and Apology
The dispute centres on repeated parking violations during the renovation of the 3,750 square foot property, which the couple purchased in 2023. Neighbours allege the builders failed to secure proper parking suspensions, instead blocking spaces with cones and building materials without following correct procedures.
'Whilst major building happens regularly around here and we are all quite used to it, most projects are careful to stick to the rules,' the neighbour explained. 'But the owners of this house have been a bit cavalier - on more than one occasion they have not secured a parking suspension.'
Following a second confrontation, the builders reportedly became more conciliatory, with someone delivering a bunch of flowers as an apology the next day.
Dame Antonia's Background and Career
Dame Antonia Romeo, 51, commands a £200,000 salary in her new role as Cabinet Secretary, a position she assumed earlier this month following the ousting of her predecessor Sir Chris Wormald. The Oxford graduate has enjoyed a varied career spanning diplomacy and multiple government departments.
Her career highlights include serving as the first female British Consul General to New York from 2016, where she gained a reputation for hosting glamorous events with celebrities including Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant. She has also held permanent secretary positions at the International Trade department, Ministry of Justice, and most recently the Home Office in 2025.
Previous Controversies and Allegations
The civil service chief has faced scrutiny before, particularly during her time in New York. In 2017, she faced bullying allegations that were later dismissed after investigators found 'no case to answer.' She was also involved in an expenses controversy involving claims for her children's private school fees and last-minute flights from the United States to London to attend the BAFTAs.
Additional accusations included allowing her husband to host work functions at her taxpayer-funded New York residence and prioritising her personal profile over professional duties. These claims were dismissed as 'misogyny' by civil service union head Dave Penman, who suggested she was targeted because she was a 'female candidate with a profile' possessing an 'outgoing and dynamic' personality.
Property Details and Family Life
The six-bedroom, four-bathroom townhouse features three 'grand' reception rooms and is situated in one of London's wealthiest neighbourhoods, just off a major shopping street with a large garden and two balconies. The couple, who have three children - daughter Izzie and sons Zac and Rocco - originally moved to New York in 2016 for John Romeo's job relocation before returning to London.
Dame Antonia has been dubbed the 'queen of woke' by some critics but remains a trailblazer as the first female Cabinet Secretary in the role's 110-year history. Following her appointment, she stated: '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.'
The Cabinet Office has confirmed that Dame Antonia has been approached for comment regarding the recent neighbourhood dispute.
