Responding to the appointment, FDA General Secretary Dave Penman said:
“An important decision because the civil service, the government and the country needs the stability that a permanent appointment brings.
“Important because it’s an opportunity for the Prime Minister and the government to reset the relationship with the civil service, which this episode has done so much to damage.
“Important because the Prime Minister and government need to be clearer about what they want from the civil service and its leadership. Rewiring the state is a slogan, not a strategy. Everyone wants to pull together and deliver better, more efficient public service. Let’s now focus on that.
“But finally it’s important because Antonia is the first woman to hold the post of Cabinet Secretary. That’s not why she’s been appointed, she’s been appointed as an outstanding leader with a proven track record – but ridiculously it has taken til 2026 for this to happen and firsts are important, so let’s also celebrate that.”
Prior to the announcement of the appointment, Penman responded to briefings and media attacks against Dame Antonia, who was widely speculated to be frontrunner for the position. He said:
“A lot of the criticism is underlined by misogyny. Look at the language people use about Antonia, talking about her being ‘brassy’ or commenting on how she dresses.
“Attributes that people talk about for leaders become a critical point for a woman and a compliment for a man. Wanting a profile or being ambitious. Some people just don’t like that.”
Penman’s comments were reported in The Telegraph, The Times, Politics Home, and City A.M..
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