The Cabinet Secretary, with the approval of the Prime Minister, has appointed Antonia Romeo as the new Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).
The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, the Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP, said:
“I am delighted to welcome Antonia back to the Ministry of Justice. I know that she shares my passion for renewing the Justice system, protecting the public and reforming offenders, and I look forward to working with her as we build back safer from the pandemic.
“I am also extremely grateful to Mike Driver for his exceptional leadership as interim Permanent Secretary, and for his help in navigating the challenges the department has faced over the latter half of the last year.”
The Cabinet Secretary, Simon Case, said:
“Antonia’s appointment is great news for the Ministry of Justice. As an experienced Permanent Secretary she brings with her a wealth of experience garnered in a variety of roles across government, as well as a deep understanding of the Ministry of Justice.
“I should also like to thank Mike Driver who has provided strong leadership to the department over the last few months.”
“I am thrilled to be appointed Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice. I have spent the majority of my career in the department, working on its vital agenda of protecting the public and reducing reoffending, ensuring access to justice, and upholding the rule of law. I know first-hand the incredible job that the 75,000 MoJ staff do every day, and I’m looking forward to working with the Lord Chancellor, Ministers and the team on this important work.
“At the same time, it is hard to leave DIT after four brilliant years building the department and launching the UK’s independent trade agenda – thanks to all Ministers and colleagues.”
Antonia will take up her post on 18 January 2021. John Alty, Director General Trade Policy will take on the role of interim Permanent Secretary at the Department for International Trade while a process is run to appoint a permanent successor.
