{"id":23194,"date":"2026-02-19T09:48:12","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T09:48:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/?p=23194"},"modified":"2026-02-19T09:48:12","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T09:48:12","slug":"starmer-appoints-antonia-romeo-as-britains-first-female-cabinet-secretary-uk-politics-live-keir-starmer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/?p=23194","title":{"rendered":"Starmer appoints Antonia Romeo as Britain\u2019s first female cabinet secretary \u2013 UK politics live | Keir Starmer"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div id=\"liveblog-body\"><gu-island name=\"EnhancePinnedPost\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"idle\" props=\"{}\"\/><\/p>\n<div id=\"pinned-post\" data-gu-marker=\"pinned-post\" data-component=\"pinned-post\" class=\"dcr-r5tmyr\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"pinned-post-checkbox\" name=\"pinned-post-checkbox\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"dcr-11n52fl\"\/><\/p>\n<div id=\"collapsible-body\" class=\"dcr-1axsptg\">\n<article class=\"block dcr-1xlsn8h\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Starmer appoints Antonia Romeo as first female cabinet secretary<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Keir Starmer has appointed Dame Antonia Romeo as cabinet secretary and head of the civil service.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The appointment follows allegations she was previously spoken to about her management style.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Romeo currently the permanent secretary of the Home Office, becomes the first woman to hold the role of cabinet secretary.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">She has previously faced accusations of bullying related to her time as consul-general in New York in 2017, but was cleared by the Cabinet Office.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;politics\/live\/2026\/feb\/19\/keir-starmer-antonia-romeo-cabinet-secretary-donald-trump-chagos-islands-deal-uk-politics-latest-news-updates&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6996d8808f083a5e8f05e0f8&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6996d8808f083a5e8f05e0f8&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Starmer appoints Antonia Romeo as Britain\u2019s first female cabinet secretary \u2013 UK politics live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Starmer appoints Antonia Romeo as Britain\u2019s first female cabinet secretary \u2013 UK politics live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/politics\/live\/2026\/feb\/19\/keir-starmer-antonia-romeo-cabinet-secretary-donald-trump-chagos-islands-deal-uk-politics-latest-news-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6996d8808f083a5e8f05e0f8#block-6996d8808f083a5e8f05e0f8\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<p><label for=\"pinned-post-checkbox\" id=\"pinned-post-button\" class=\"dcr-zw7tgl\"><span id=\"svgminus\" class=\"dcr-yhdhkr\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M1 10.75v2.5h22v-2.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span id=\"svgplus\" class=\"dcr-yhdhkr\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"m10.8 13.2.425 9.8h1.525l.45-9.8 9.8-.45v-1.525l-9.8-.425-.45-9.8h-1.525l-.425 9.8-9.8.425v1.525z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"dcr-90inr0\"><gu-island name=\"KeyEventsCarousel\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;keyEvents&quot;:[{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;6996db8b8f08553b8e042186&quot;,&quot;elements&quot;:[{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;And this is what &lt;strong&gt;Dame Antonia Romeo&lt;\/strong&gt; has said about her appointment.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;91483539-ba9c-4fcb-96e8-5e3335f2f6f6&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;blockquote class=\\&quot;quoted\\&quot;&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;It is a huge privilege to be asked to serve as cabinet secretary and head of the civil service.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\\n  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\u2019s agenda and meet the challenges the country faces.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\\n  I look forward to working with all colleagues across the civil service to do this, in support of the prime minister and the government.&lt;\/p&gt;\\n&lt;\/blockquote&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;e6a73d3d-a30a-4428-add2-d8be5cb278c9&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;All cabinet secretaries say they want the civil sevice to be good at \u201cdelivery\u201d and \u201cefficiency\u201d. But the civil service does not have such a good record when it comes to \u201cinnovation\u201d, and the inclusion of that word helps to explain why Romeo got the job.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;cce61758-b43f-4da6-8122-46e3dd6a13a6&quot;}],&quot;attributes&quot;:{&quot;pinned&quot;:false,&quot;keyEvent&quot;:true,&quot;summary&quot;:false},&quot;blockCreatedOn&quot;:1771494283000,&quot;blockCreatedOnDisplay&quot;:&quot;09.44\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockLastUpdated&quot;:1771494487000,&quot;blockLastUpdatedDisplay&quot;:&quot;09.48\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublished&quot;:1771494487000,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplay&quot;:&quot;09.48\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone&quot;:&quot;09.48&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Antonia Romeo says she wants civil service to be known for 'delivery, efficiency and innovation' under her leadership&quot;,&quot;contributors&quot;:[],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Thu 19 Feb 2026 09.48 GMT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Thu 19 Feb 2026 09.34 GMT&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;6996da2d8f084e45c849825b&quot;,&quot;elements&quot;:[{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;This is what &lt;strong&gt;Keir Starmer&lt;\/strong&gt; has said about the appointment of Antonia Romeo as cabinet secretary, replacing Chris Wormald, who was in effect sacked after just over a year in the job.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;1c4f050d-8501-44ba-859c-1479b6fe82fe&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Starmer said:&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;0070790a-a221-4bfd-ac11-3f39279667e0&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;blockquote class=\\&quot;quoted\\&quot;&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;I am delighted to appoint Dame Antonia Romeo as the new cabinet secretary. She is an outstanding public servant, with a 25?year record of delivering for the British people.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\\n  Since becoming prime minister, I\u2019ve been impressed by her professionalism and determination to get things done. Families across the country are still feeling the squeeze, and this government is focused on easing the cost of living, strengthening public services and restoring pride in our communities. It is essential we have a cabinet secretary who can support the government to make this happen.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\\n  Antonia has shown she is the right person to drive the government to reform and I look forward to working with her to deliver this period of national renewal.&lt;\/p&gt;\\n&lt;\/blockquote&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;c22b4fdf-2073-4873-a77b-cce1fc5275d5&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;This statement could be read as an admission that the government needs to improve at \u2018getting things done\u2019. Starmer (like most of his predecessors as PM) has spoken of his frustration about how hard it is to get Whitehall to implement change. It is also an implict criticism of Chris Wormald, Romeo\u2019s predecessor, who was forced out by Starmer, even though Starmer had appointed him (from a shortlist that included Romeo). Starmer\u2019s first cabinet secretary was Simon Case, originally appointed to the job by Boris Johnson. Case stood down soon after &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/politics\/labour\\&quot; data-component=\\&quot;auto-linked-tag\\&quot;&gt;Labour&lt;\/a&gt; took office for health reasons.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;ee1a017b-5486-4f35-96dc-d6d56de82b21&quot;}],&quot;attributes&quot;:{&quot;pinned&quot;:false,&quot;keyEvent&quot;:true,&quot;summary&quot;:false},&quot;blockCreatedOn&quot;:1771493933000,&quot;blockCreatedOnDisplay&quot;:&quot;09.38\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockLastUpdated&quot;:1771494265000,&quot;blockLastUpdatedDisplay&quot;:&quot;09.44\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublished&quot;:1771494265000,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplay&quot;:&quot;09.44\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone&quot;:&quot;09.44&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Starmer says Romeo appointed cabinet secretary because of her ability to 'get things done'&quot;,&quot;contributors&quot;:[],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Thu 19 Feb 2026 09.48 GMT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Thu 19 Feb 2026 09.34 GMT&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;6996d8808f083a5e8f05e0f8&quot;,&quot;elements&quot;:[{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Keir Starmer has appointed Dame Antonia Romeo as cabinet secretary and head of the civil service.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;0eed8ce1-fe92-4312-b72e-34bdd452e1bd&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;The appointment follows allegations she was previously spoken to about her management style.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;4a108f5a-dfa5-480b-bf00-1caf5e0809b5&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Romeo currently the permanent secretary of the Home Office, becomes the first woman to hold the role of cabinet secretary.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;4110f17d-3b58-4982-ab63-c1a5deb23517&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;She has previously faced accusations of bullying related to her time as consul-general in New York in 2017, but was cleared by the Cabinet Office.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;6849a3a8-0805-4f80-a531-dee55181da28&quot;}],&quot;attributes&quot;:{&quot;pinned&quot;:true,&quot;keyEvent&quot;:true,&quot;summary&quot;:false},&quot;blockCreatedOn&quot;:1771493672000,&quot;blockCreatedOnDisplay&quot;:&quot;09.34\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockLastUpdated&quot;:1771493566000,&quot;blockLastUpdatedDisplay&quot;:&quot;09.32\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublished&quot;:1771493672000,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplay&quot;:&quot;09.34\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone&quot;:&quot;09.34&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Starmer appoints Antonia Romeo as first female cabinet secretary&quot;,&quot;contributors&quot;:[],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Thu 19 Feb 2026 09.48 GMT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Thu 19 Feb 2026 09.34 GMT&quot;}],&quot;filterKeyEvents&quot;:false,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;key-events-carousel-mobile&quot;,&quot;renderingTarget&quot;:&quot;Web&quot;,&quot;serverTime&quot;:1771494492086}\"><span id=\"key-events-carousel-mobile\"\/><span class=\"dcr-90inr0\"><\/p>\n<p>Key events<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/gu-island><gu-island name=\"FilterKeyEventsToggle\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;filterKeyEvents&quot;:false,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;filter-toggle-mobile&quot;}\"><span id=\"filter-toggle-mobile\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"dcr-alru3r\"><label id=\"filter-toggle-mobile-switch_description\" data-component=\"filter-key-events\" data-link-name=\"filter-key-events-on\" class=\"dcr-rrspei\"><button id=\"filter-toggle-mobile-switch\" role=\"switch\" aria-checked=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"filter-toggle-mobile-switch_description\" class=\"dcr-dh5oqp\"\/>Show key events only<\/p>\n<p><span>Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/label><\/div>\n<p><\/gu-island><\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"block-6996db8b8f08553b8e042186\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Antonia Romeo says she wants civil service to be known for &#8216;delivery, efficiency and innovation&#8217; under her leadership<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">And this is what <strong>Dame Antonia Romeo<\/strong> has said about her appointment.<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>It is a huge privilege to be asked to serve as cabinet secretary and head of the civil service.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019s agenda and meet the challenges the country faces.<\/p>\n<p>I look forward to working with all colleagues across the civil service to do this, in support of the prime minister and the government.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">All cabinet secretaries say they want the civil sevice to be good at \u201cdelivery\u201d and \u201cefficiency\u201d. But the civil service does not have such a good record when it comes to \u201cinnovation\u201d, and the inclusion of that word helps to explain why Romeo got the job.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;politics\/live\/2026\/feb\/19\/keir-starmer-antonia-romeo-cabinet-secretary-donald-trump-chagos-islands-deal-uk-politics-latest-news-updates&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6996db8b8f08553b8e042186&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6996db8b8f08553b8e042186&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Starmer appoints Antonia Romeo as Britain\u2019s first female cabinet secretary \u2013 UK politics live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Starmer appoints Antonia Romeo as Britain\u2019s first female cabinet secretary \u2013 UK politics live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/politics\/live\/2026\/feb\/19\/keir-starmer-antonia-romeo-cabinet-secretary-donald-trump-chagos-islands-deal-uk-politics-latest-news-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6996db8b8f08553b8e042186#block-6996db8b8f08553b8e042186\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-6996da2d8f084e45c849825b\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Starmer says Romeo appointed cabinet secretary because of her ability to &#8216;get things done&#8217;<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">This is what <strong>Keir Starmer<\/strong> has said about the appointment of Antonia Romeo as cabinet secretary, replacing Chris Wormald, who was in effect sacked after just over a year in the job.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Starmer said:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>I am delighted to appoint Dame Antonia Romeo as the new cabinet secretary. She is an outstanding public servant, with a 25?year record of delivering for the British people.<\/p>\n<p>Since becoming prime minister, I\u2019ve been impressed by her professionalism and determination to get things done. Families across the country are still feeling the squeeze, and this government is focused on easing the cost of living, strengthening public services and restoring pride in our communities. It is essential we have a cabinet secretary who can support the government to make this happen.<\/p>\n<p>Antonia has shown she is the right person to drive the government to reform and I look forward to working with her to deliver this period of national renewal.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">This statement could be read as an admission that the government needs to improve at \u2018getting things done\u2019. Starmer (like most of his predecessors as PM) has spoken of his frustration about how hard it is to get Whitehall to implement change. It is also an implict criticism of Chris Wormald, Romeo\u2019s predecessor, who was forced out by Starmer, even though Starmer had appointed him (from a shortlist that included Romeo). Starmer\u2019s first cabinet secretary was Simon Case, originally appointed to the job by Boris Johnson. Case stood down soon after <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/politics\/labour\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" data-component=\"auto-linked-tag\">Labour<\/a> took office for health reasons.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;politics\/live\/2026\/feb\/19\/keir-starmer-antonia-romeo-cabinet-secretary-donald-trump-chagos-islands-deal-uk-politics-latest-news-updates&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6996da2d8f084e45c849825b&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6996da2d8f084e45c849825b&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Starmer appoints Antonia Romeo as Britain\u2019s first female cabinet secretary \u2013 UK politics live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Starmer appoints Antonia Romeo as Britain\u2019s first female cabinet secretary \u2013 UK politics live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/politics\/live\/2026\/feb\/19\/keir-starmer-antonia-romeo-cabinet-secretary-donald-trump-chagos-islands-deal-uk-politics-latest-news-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6996da2d8f084e45c849825b#block-6996da2d8f084e45c849825b\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-6996d8808f083a5e8f05e0f8\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Starmer appoints Antonia Romeo as first female cabinet secretary<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Keir Starmer has appointed Dame Antonia Romeo as cabinet secretary and head of the civil service.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The appointment follows allegations she was previously spoken to about her management style.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Romeo currently the permanent secretary of the Home Office, becomes the first woman to hold the role of cabinet secretary.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">She has previously faced accusations of bullying related to her time as consul-general in New York in 2017, but was cleared by the Cabinet Office.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;politics\/live\/2026\/feb\/19\/keir-starmer-antonia-romeo-cabinet-secretary-donald-trump-chagos-islands-deal-uk-politics-latest-news-updates&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6996d8808f083a5e8f05e0f8&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6996d8808f083a5e8f05e0f8&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Starmer appoints Antonia Romeo as Britain\u2019s first female cabinet secretary \u2013 UK politics live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Starmer appoints Antonia Romeo as Britain\u2019s first female cabinet secretary \u2013 UK politics live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/politics\/live\/2026\/feb\/19\/keir-starmer-antonia-romeo-cabinet-secretary-donald-trump-chagos-islands-deal-uk-politics-latest-news-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6996d8808f083a5e8f05e0f8#block-6996d8808f083a5e8f05e0f8\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-6996c17e8f083a5e8f05e04d\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Good morning. In May last year the UK government signed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2025\/may\/22\/high-court-judge-blocks-uk-from-concluding-chagos-islands-deal\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">a deal<\/a> to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, with US consent. The agreement also included a provision for the UK and the US to continue operating their joint military airbase on Diego Garcia for at least another 99 years. Keir Starmer thought he had found a solution to a long-running diplomatic problem.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">But, since then, it has been a bit of a nightmare because <strong>Donald Trump<\/strong> has repeatedly criticised the deal his administration approved, partly because Conservative and Reform UK politicians have been doing their best to get Washington to reject the deal. The latest outburst from Trump came on his Truth Social network yesterday.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"f08f1fa6-867b-4f01-834a-e5978d6e1423\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">Trump post<\/span> Photograph: Truth Social<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">And here is our overnight story, by<strong> Nadeem Badshah.<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"2891bff4-e22b-4c8b-8483-bb8979b89e0e\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><gu-island name=\"RichLinkComponent\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"idle\" props=\"{&quot;richLinkIndex&quot;:4,&quot;element&quot;:{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement&quot;,&quot;prefix&quot;:&quot;Related: &quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Trump tells Starmer handing Chagos Islands to Mauritius is a \u2018big mistake\u2019&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;2891bff4-e22b-4c8b-8483-bb8979b89e0e&quot;,&quot;role&quot;:&quot;inline&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2026\/feb\/18\/trump-tells-starmer-handing-chagos-islands-to-mauritius-is-a-big-mistake&quot;},&quot;ajaxUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/api.nextgen.guardianapps.co.uk&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0}}\"\/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">This is not the first time Trump has denounced a deal that he previously supported. In their<a href=\"https:\/\/www.politico.eu\/newsletter\/london-playbook\/islands-of-screams\/\" data-link-name=\"in body link\"> London Playbook briefing <\/a>for Politico, <strong>Andrew McDonald <\/strong>and<strong> Bethany Dawson<\/strong> have a good round-up of Trump\u2019s various U-turns.<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>Starmer must finally understand how his backbenchers feel when he piles up the U-turns. Trump said on <strong class=\"dcr-in3yi3\">Feb 27., 2025<\/strong> <strong class=\"dcr-in3yi3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/articles\/c5yxxjr8v2vo\">he was \u201cinclined\u201d to go along with the deal,<\/a><\/strong> despite excitable (but perhaps ultimately prescient) noises from critics saying his administration would can it \u2026 He <strong class=\"dcr-in3yi3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.telegraph.co.uk\/politics\/2025\/04\/01\/donald-trump-signs-off-keir-starmer-chagos-deal\/\">signed it off<\/a><\/strong> on <strong class=\"dcr-in3yi3\">April 1, 2025 <\/strong>\u2026 Then he described it as an \u201cact of great stupidity\u201d in a middle-of-the-night <strong class=\"dcr-in3yi3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/truthsocial.com\/@realDonaldTrump\/posts\/115926047595803521\">Truth post<\/a><\/strong> on <strong class=\"dcr-in3yi3\">Jan. 20 <\/strong>this year \u2026 Before he posted on <strong class=\"dcr-in3yi3\">Feb. 5<\/strong> <strong class=\"dcr-in3yi3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/truthsocial.com\/@realDonaldTrump\/posts\/116019287824035088\">that it was the best deal Starmer could have made<\/a> <\/strong>\u2026 Followed by official backing from the State Department on <strong class=\"dcr-in3yi3\">Feb. 17 <\/strong>\u2026 And then came his broadside on <strong class=\"dcr-in3yi3\">Feb. 18 <\/strong>apparently reversing all of that again. Trump\u2019s press secretary confirmed later Wednesday that his view is that of the administration.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Only two days ago the US state department said it approved the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/chagos-islands\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" data-component=\"auto-linked-tag\">Chagos Islands<\/a> deal.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">So where does this leave the deal? Last night the Foreign Office put out a statement saying the agreement negotiated by the government was \u201cthe only way\u201d to guarantee the security of Diego Garcia. A <strong>Foreign Office spokesperson<\/strong> said:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>The deal to secure the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia military is crucial to the security of the UK and our key allies, and to keeping the British people safe.<\/p>\n<p>The agreement we have reached is the only way to guarantee the long-term future of this vital military base.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">But <strong>Kemi Badenoch<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/KemiBadenoch\/status\/2024206936401490307\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">said <\/a>that Trump was right to say the Chagos Islands should not be given to Mauritius, and that it was \u201ctime to kill this terrible deal\u201d.<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>Trump is right.<\/p>\n<p>As I\u2019ve said before Starmer\u2019s Chagos deal is an act of great stupidity. Paying \u00a335bn to surrender the islands is complete self-sabotage.<\/p>\n<p>Chagos is a strategic asset. If our closest ally is saying this, the PM should listen. It\u2019s time to kill this terrible deal.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">I will post more on this as the day goes on. Parliament is still in recess, and there is not much in the diary, but Starmer has given an interview to BBC Breakfast, mostly focused on the proposals to impose new sanctions on tech companies that don\u2019t swiftly remove non-consensual intimate images that he has<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/commentisfree\/2026\/feb\/19\/keir-starmer-tech-firms-abuse-women-online-violence\" data-link-name=\"in body link\"> written about for the Guardian.<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">And details have been leaked about what will be in the plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (Send) education that will be announced next week. Here is our overnight story by <strong>Sally Weale.<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"3c5f5c9b-fa95-4bab-bfd2-18485c1d10b7\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><gu-island name=\"RichLinkComponent\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"idle\" props=\"{&quot;richLinkIndex&quot;:14,&quot;element&quot;:{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement&quot;,&quot;prefix&quot;:&quot;Related: &quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Councils in England call for \u2018radical\u2019 means testing of Send school transport&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;3c5f5c9b-fa95-4bab-bfd2-18485c1d10b7&quot;,&quot;role&quot;:&quot;inline&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/education\/2026\/feb\/19\/councils-england-urge-means-testing-for-send-school-transport&quot;},&quot;ajaxUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/api.nextgen.guardianapps.co.uk&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0}}\"\/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">If you want to contact me, please post a message below the line when comments are open (between 10am and 3pm), or message me on social media. I can\u2019t read all the messages BTL, but if you put \u201cAndrew\u201d in a message aimed at me, I am more likely to see it because I search for posts containing that word.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">If you want to flag something up urgently, it is best to use social media. You can reach me on Bluesky at @andrewsparrowgdn.bsky.social. The Guardian has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/media\/2024\/nov\/13\/the-guardian-no-longer-post-on-x-twitter-elon-musk\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">given up posting from its official accounts on X<\/a>, but individual Guardian journalists are there, I still have my account, and if you message me there at @AndrewSparrow, I will see it and respond if necessary.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">I find it very helpful when readers point out mistakes, even minor typos. No error is too small to correct. And I find your questions very interesting too. I can\u2019t promise to reply to them all, but I will try to reply to as many as I can, either BTL or sometimes in the blog.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;politics\/live\/2026\/feb\/19\/keir-starmer-antonia-romeo-cabinet-secretary-donald-trump-chagos-islands-deal-uk-politics-latest-news-updates&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6996c17e8f083a5e8f05e04d&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6996c17e8f083a5e8f05e04d&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Starmer appoints Antonia Romeo as Britain\u2019s first female cabinet secretary \u2013 UK politics live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Starmer appoints Antonia Romeo as Britain\u2019s first female cabinet secretary \u2013 UK politics live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/politics\/live\/2026\/feb\/19\/keir-starmer-antonia-romeo-cabinet-secretary-donald-trump-chagos-islands-deal-uk-politics-latest-news-updates?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6996c17e8f083a5e8f05e04d#block-6996c17e8f083a5e8f05e04d\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<p>#Starmer #appoints #Antonia #Romeo #Britains #female #cabinet #secretary #politics #live #Keir #Starmer<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Starmer appoints Antonia Romeo&hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":23195,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23194"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=23194"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23194\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/23195"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=23194"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=23194"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=23194"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}