BELEAGUERED Sir Keir Starmer named a new top civil servant today who is already beset by bullying allegations.

Antonia Romeo, presently permanent secretary at the Home Office, will take over as cabinet secretary, the head of the Civil Service.

She is the first woman to hold the post in its 100-year history and succeeds Chris Wormald, forced out by Sir Keir during the recent Downing Street turmoil after little more than a year in office.

Sir Keir called Ms Romeo “an outstanding public servant, with a 25‑year record of delivering for the British people.

“Since becoming prime minister, I’ve been impressed by her professionalism and determination to get things done. Families across the country are still feeling the squeeze, and this government is focused on easing the cost of living, strengthening public services and restoring pride in our communities.

“It is essential we have a cabinet secretary who can support the government to make this happen.”

He added: “Antonia has shown she is the right person to drive the government to reform and I look forward to working with her to deliver this period of national renewal.”

However, Ms Romeo takes over under the shadow of allegations that she bullied staff when serving as Britain’s consul-general in New York in 2016 and 2017.

The BBC has reported that several complaints about her conduct were made. However, an official investigation found she had no case to answer.

Recently she has headed the Justice Department as well as the Home Office, placing her at the heart of the government’s coercive agenda.