Fresh details have emerged about the working environment under Sir Keir Starmer's newly appointed civil service chief, Dame Antonia Romeo, revealing that a staff member was instructed to join a 'gender non-conforming book club' as part of their annual performance review. This revelation comes amid a heated briefing war over her past conduct and her recent promotion to the UK's most senior civil servant role.
Inclusivity Objectives Under Scrutiny
While Dame Antonia Romeo led the Department for International Trade (DIT) from 2017 to 2021, a civil servant was reportedly tasked with dedicating up to one day per week to inclusivity initiatives. According to reports, this employee's objectives included raising awareness of non-binary identities, encouraging colleagues to display preferred pronouns, and recruiting non-binary staff.
The performance review specifically set a target for the employee to participate in the department's 'gender non-conforming book club'. Sources indicate that club members read works such as Middlesex, Jeffrey Eugenides' Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about an intersex American, alongside books exploring gender transition.
Additional Tasks and Performance Metrics
Other assigned responsibilities included engaging in discussions within the non-binary corporate network and challenging what were described as 'dated and discriminatory societal gender norms' that reinforce patriarchal structures. Fulfilment of these objectives reportedly contributed 5% toward the civil servant's annual performance appraisal, highlighting the formal integration of such initiatives into workplace evaluations.
Political Reactions and Appointments
Dame Antonia Romeo, aged 51, was this week named the new Cabinet Secretary and head of the civil service by the Prime Minister, becoming the first woman to hold this powerful position. Her appointment followed the dismissal of Sir Chris Wormald just 14 months into his tenure, sparking controversy within political circles.
Reform UK's home affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf, criticised Sir Keir Starmer for appointing what he termed the 'Queen of Woke', claiming she embodies problematic aspects of the civil service establishment. Conversely, former Tory chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, now with Reform, described her appointment as a 'good decision', illustrating divided opinions across the political spectrum.
Official Responses and Background
The Cabinet Office has strongly refuted suggestions that Dame Antonia personally set these objectives, stating that civil service goals are agreed between employees and their line managers, not with permanent secretaries. A spokesman emphasised her nearly decade-long leadership in economic, public services, and security departments, praising her as an outstanding public servant with a 25-year record of delivery.
Dame Antonia previously faced bullying allegations related to her role as consul-general in New York in 2017, prior to joining DIT, but was cleared by the Cabinet Office. Downing Street confirmed an 'enhanced due diligence process' was conducted before her appointment, with First Civil Service commissioner Baroness Gisela Stuart approving her selection. She had been deemed a suitable candidate in the 2024 recruitment contest that Sir Chris Wormald ultimately won.
Her career includes previous top official roles at the Home Office, Ministry of Justice, and DIT, underscoring her extensive experience in Whitehall. The ongoing debate highlights tensions between inclusivity initiatives and traditional civil service operations, setting the stage for further scrutiny as she assumes her historic role.
