Senior Whitehall officials indicate that Dame Antonia Romeo emerges as the leading candidate for Cabinet Secretary due to her alignment with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s efforts to limit the disclosure of private messages linked to Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador.

Mandelson Appointment Sparks Investigation

MPs compelled the government to publish these documents following a criminal probe into allegations that Mandelson shared sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein. Officials express concerns that the messages could expose Mandelson’s significant influence within the government.

Leadership Shift at the Top

The dismissal of Sir Chris Wormald stems from his broader interpretation of releasable files, which clashed with No 10’s strategy for stringent control. A senior Whitehall official noted, ‘Many view his removal as an attempt by No 10 to prevent the files’ release.’

Another source added, ‘The government tightly manages document disclosures. The Prime Minister believes limiting the most damaging ones could mitigate fallout, a role Dame Antonia Romeo would fulfill.’

Reaction to Health Secretary’s Disclosure

No 10 officials reacted strongly when Health Secretary Wes Streeting released his exchanges with Mandelson, where Streeting remarked he felt ‘toast’ at the next election and highlighted the absence of an economic growth strategy. A Whitehall source explained, ‘Streeting disrupted their disclosure limits. They aim to restrict releases to appointment-specific files, excluding Mandelson’s broader government role.’

A minister observed, ‘A cover-up controversy looms, but they see it as preferable to documents that could prove devastating for the Prime Minister.’

Calls for Full Transparency

Tory Cabinet Office spokesman Alex Burghart urged, ‘Starmer must immediately deliver the complete, unredacted material to the intelligence and security committee.’

A Cabinet Office spokesman affirmed, ‘Antonia Romeo boasts an outstanding 25-year record in public service. The First Civil Service Commissioner will oversee the appointment process.’