Appointment of Antonia Romeo as head of civil service shows ‘poor judgment’, say former colleagues

While Antonia Romeo was British Consul General to New York she faced complaints over spending decisions. Photograph: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

Keir Starmer’s decision to appoint Antonia Romeo as the country’s most senior civil servant has prompted dismay among former colleagues who complained about what they considered bullying behaviour when she was a diplomat in New York.

Several people who worked with Romeo at the New York consulate nearly 10 years ago have told the Guardian they are upset by the prime minister’s decision to make her cabinet secretary despite knowing about their complaints.