Senior Whitehall officials reveal that Dame Antonia Romeo emerges as the leading candidate for Cabinet Secretary, aligned with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s push to restrict access to private messages tied to Peter Mandelson’s nomination as US ambassador.
Reasons Behind Sir Chris Wormald’s Removal
Sources confirm Sir Chris Wormald’s dismissal resulted from his broader interpretation of releasable documents. Officials state Starmer seeks a firm hold on disclosures, fearing they expose Mandelson’s deep government influence.
A senior Whitehall official remarked: ‘Part of the reason there has been such a reaction to Chris’s sacking is that many people believe he was removed because No 10 wants to suppress the files’ release.’
Another source added: ‘The release of the documents is being controlled within an inch of its life. Keir thinks he might be able to survive if he can suppress the most damaging files, and that’s what Antonia would be expected to do.’
Mandelson-Epstein Investigation Prompts Disclosures
MPs compelled the government to publish the files following a criminal probe into allegations that Mandelson shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein.
Government Reactions and Internal Concerns
No. 10 officials reacted sharply to Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s choice to disclose his private exchanges with Mandelson, where Streeting admitted feeling ‘toast’ ahead of the next election and highlighted a lack of economic growth strategy.
A Whitehall source explained: ‘The reason they went mental at Wes is he ruined the disclosure threshold. They believe they can limit the release of the files to only those specifically related to Mandelson’s appointment, not his wider involvement in the Government.’
A minister noted: ‘They know there will be a big row, and allegations of a cover-up. But they prefer that to the release of the documents, which they believe will prove fatal to Keir.’
Opposition Demands Transparency
Tory Cabinet Office spokesman Alex Burghart urged: ‘Starmer must hand the full, unfiltered material to the intelligence and security committee without delay.’
A Cabinet Office spokesman responded: ‘Antonia Romeo is an outstanding leader with a 25-year record of excellent public service. The process to appoint a new Cabinet Secretary will be agreed by the First Civil Service Commissioner.’
