Antonia Romeo appointed as new Home Office Permanent Secretary

Dame Antonia is currently Ministry of Justice Permanent Secretary.

The Cabinet Secretary, with the approval of the Prime Minister, has announced the appointment of Dame Antonia Romeo as the new Permanent Secretary at the Home Office. 

Antonia is currently Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice. Antonia will replace Sir Matthew Rycroft who is leaving the Civil Service at the end of March 2025.

Home Secretary, the Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, said:

I am delighted to announce Antonia Romeo's appointment as Permanent Secretary at the Home Office. Antonia has huge experience delivering transformation across a range of Government departments, as well as a track record of delivery and strong systems leadership, both of which will be vital to lead the Home Office to deliver its mission on safer streets and border security.

I would also like to thank Matthew for his dedicated leadership of the department over the last five years, his invaluable support for Ministers and his many years of public service and wish him well in his future endeavours.

Cabinet Secretary, Sir Chris Wormald, said:

I would like to congratulate Antonia on her appointment. Antonia is an exceptional public servant who embodies the very best of the Civil Service. She brings a depth of experience from leading the Ministry of Justice and setting up the Department for International Trade, which make her excellently suited to lead the Home Office and delivery of its missions.

I would also like to thank Matthew for his service over his 35 year career in the Civil Service, and in particular for his five years service in his role as Permanent Secretary at the Home Office. I have personally valued his wise advice and leadership across the many challenging issues he has faced during this time. 

Dame Antonia Romeo said:

It's a huge privilege to be appointed to lead the brilliant team of civil servants charged with keeping the country safe and secure, in support of the Home Secretary and the Government. It's hard to think of a more important endeavour than delivering the missions of the Home Office at this vital time for the country.

I'd like to thank the fantastic team at the Ministry of Justice who have delivered so much in challenging circumstances over the past four years. I'm very proud of what you have achieved.