Cabinet Secretary: The UK's Most Senior Civil Servant
The Cabinet Secretary is the most senior civil servant in the United Kingdom. Based within the Cabinet Office, this pivotal figure serves as the primary policy adviser to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. Beyond advisory duties, the Cabinet Secretary acts as the secretary to the Cabinet, ensuring the efficient operation of the government for all ministers.
Currently, the role is held by Dame Antonia Romeo, who assumed office on 19 February 2026.
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Key Facts
- Current Incumbent: Dame Antonia Romeo (since 19 February 2026).
- Established: 1916, with Sir Maurice Hankey as the inaugural holder.
- Primary Role: Senior policy adviser to the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
- Appointment: Appointed by the Prime Minister to serve at His Majesty's pleasure.
- Dual Responsibility: Typically combined with the role of Head of the Civil Service.
Origins and Evolution
The position was created in 1916 for Sir Maurice Hankey. At the time, the secretariat of the Committee of Imperial Defence, which Hankey led, was transitioned to become the secretariat for the newly organized War Cabinet.
Core Responsibilities
Civil Service Leadership
Since 1981 (with a brief exception between 2011 and 2014), the Cabinet Secretary has also served as the Head of the Civil Service. In this capacity, they are responsible for all civil servants across various government departments, excluding the Foreign Office. They chair the Permanent Secretaries Management Group (PSMG), the principal governing body of the civil service.
While the role previously included serving as the permanent secretary of the Cabinet Office, that specific administrative duty has since been transferred to the chief operating officer of the civil service.
Cabinet Management and the Ministerial Code
The influence of the Cabinet Secretary often extends deep into the heart of government decision-making. A critical duty is the administration of the Ministerial Code (also known as the Rule Book), which dictates the conduct of ministers. This allows the Cabinet Secretary to investigate government leaks and enforce discipline, granting an unelected official a degree of authority over elected ministers.
The Golden Triangle
The Cabinet Secretary is a member of the "golden triangle," a trio of high-ranking officials that includes the Private Secretary to the Sovereign and the Principal Private Secretary to the Prime Minister. This group is responsible for supporting the sovereign in appointing a Prime Minister during a hung parliament—a situation where no single party holds an absolute majority in the House of Commons—ensuring the process remains non-political.
Intelligence Oversight
Historically, the Cabinet Secretary oversaw the intelligence services. However, since 2002, this responsibility has been delegated to a full-time role, currently known as the National Security Adviser, allowing the Cabinet Secretary to focus on civil service reforms.
Appointment Process
The Prime Minister makes the appointment. While previously based on the advice of the outgoing incumbent, the 2024 process was more structured. Shortlisted candidates underwent leadership assessments and interviews chaired by the First Civil Service Commissioner, alongside a panel including former Cabinet Secretary Gus O'Donnell and other senior officials.
Structural Changes: The 2011 Restructuring
In October 2011, a plan was introduced to split the three primary roles held by Gus O'Donnell: policy advice (Cabinet Secretary), civil service leadership (Head of the Civil Service), and Cabinet Office oversight (Permanent Secretary). This was implemented with Jeremy Heywood, Bob Kerslake, and Ian Watmore respectively.
By July 2014, these roles began to merge again. As of January 2025, the restructuring has been partially reversed: Sir Chris Wormald held the combined roles of Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Home Civil Service, while Cat Little served as Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary and COO of the Civil Service.
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Summary of the Role
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Reports To | Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster |
| Appointer | Prime Minister |
| Term | At His Majesty's pleasure |
| Key Function | Senior policy adviser and Civil Service head |
| Key Document Managed | Ministerial Code |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current Cabinet Secretary?
Dame Antonia Romeo has been the Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service since 19 February 2026.
What is the "golden triangle"?
It is a group consisting of the Cabinet Secretary, the Private Secretary to the Sovereign, and the Principal Private Secretary to the Prime Minister, who assist the sovereign in appointing a Prime Minister during a hung parliament.
Does the Cabinet Secretary manage the intelligence services?
While they hold ultimate responsibility, since 2002 this duty has been delegated to the National Security Adviser.
What is the Ministerial Code?
The Ministerial Code is the set of rules governing the conduct of government ministers, which the Cabinet Secretary is responsible for administering and enforcing.
How is the Cabinet Secretary appointed?
The appointment is made by the Prime Minister, often following a process of leadership assessments and interviews involving the First Civil Service Commissioner.