Sue Gray Drawn Into Antonia Romeo Bullying Row Over Cabinet Secretary Role
Sir Keir Starmer's former chief of staff, Sue Gray, has been drawn into the escalating controversy surrounding past bullying claims against newly appointed Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo. According to sources speaking to The Mail on Sunday, Baroness Gray, who served as Cabinet Office director general of propriety and ethics at the time, played a pivotal role in clearing Dame Antonia of any wrongdoing during a 2017 investigation.
Key Role in 2017 Investigation
Insiders have insisted that Lady Gray, who later became Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff in Opposition and subsequently in Number 10, was an integral part of the formal process that addressed bullying allegations against the high-flying civil servant. These claims originated from Dame Antonia's tenure as British Consul-General in New York during 2016 and 2017.
The Foreign Office reportedly concluded that there was a serious case to answer, with allegations from several colleagues consolidated into one formal complaint. However, this complaint was ultimately rejected by the Cabinet Office, with Baroness Gray allegedly having a key involvement in the decision to clear Dame Antonia.
Controversial Appointment Process
Dame Antonia's confirmation last week as the first woman to lead the civil service has reportedly prompted dismay among some former colleagues. She succeeded Sir Chris Wormald as Cabinet Secretary, who was allegedly forced out by the Prime Minister after barely a year in the position.
While Sir Keir Starmer hailed her "determination to get things done" and Labour grandee Harriet Harman suggested the appointment would help dissolve the clique of male advisers in Downing Street, the controversy has continued to overshadow the historic milestone.
Political Scrutiny and Official Response
Conservative MP and shadow minister Neil O'Brien has raised serious questions about whether Dame Antonia's appointment was properly vetted. This follows warnings from Sir Simon McDonald, former Foreign Office permanent secretary, who suggested that "more due diligence" was needed before offering her the position.
On Saturday, the Cabinet Office issued a statement declaring it "categorically untrue" to suggest that Lady Gray made the decision to clear Dame Antonia. However, officials declined to confirm whether she had been involved in the inquiry process at all. A spokesman emphasized that Dame Antonia's appointment as Cabinet Secretary "followed an enhanced due diligence process."
Defenders and Critics Clash
Allies of Dame Antonia have accused her critics of misogyny and maintained that she remains the best person for the job despite the controversy. Meanwhile, Mr O'Brien has intensified his criticism, stating: "As the then head of propriety and ethics at the Cabinet Office, it beggars belief that Sue Gray wasn't involved in this decision. The Cabinet Office should stop avoiding answers over this issue and give us the facts."
Lady Gray, who became a Labour peer in February last year, could not be reached for comment on the matter. The ongoing row highlights the complex intersection of political appointments, historical allegations, and procedural transparency within the highest levels of British government.
