Senior Whitehall officials indicate that Dame Antonia Romeo emerges as the leading candidate for Cabinet Secretary due to her willingness to align with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s efforts to restrict the release of private messages linked to Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador.
Mandelson Files and Epstein Investigation
MPs compelled the government to disclose these documents following the launch of a criminal probe into allegations that Mandelson shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein. Sources reveal Starmer’s concern that the messages could expose Mandelson’s significant influence within the government.
The dismissal of Sir Chris Wormald stems from his perceived overly permissive stance on document disclosures, according to officials. A senior Whitehall official stated: “Part of the reason for the strong reaction to Chris’s sacking is that many believe No 10 seeks to suppress the files’ release.”
Another source added: “The release of the documents faces extremely tight controls. Starmer believes he can weather the storm by withholding the most damaging ones, a role Dame Antonia Romeo would fulfill.”
Reaction to Health Secretary’s Disclosure
No 10 officials reacted sharply when Health Secretary Wes Streeting released his private exchanges with Mandelson, in which Streeting reportedly expressed fears of being “toast” at the next election and criticized the lack of an economic growth strategy. A Whitehall source explained: “Streeting disrupted their disclosure limits. They aim to restrict releases to files directly tied to Mandelson’s appointment, excluding his broader government role.”
A minister noted: “A major controversy and cover-up accusations loom, but leaders prefer that over documents that could prove devastating to Starmer.”
Government and Opposition Responses
A Cabinet Office spokesperson defended the choice: “Antonia Romeo boasts an outstanding 25-year record in public service. The appointment process follows guidelines set by the First Civil Service Commissioner.”
Tory Cabinet Office spokesman Alex Burghart urged: “Starmer must immediately deliver the full, unfiltered material to the intelligence and security committee.”
