UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has appointed Antonia Romeo as the new cabinet secretary, a move that has sparked criticism from the Reform UK party. The spokesperson for Reform UK, Zia Yusuf, labeled Romeo as the 'Queen of Woke', suggesting that her appointment reflects the perceived failings of the UK establishment. Yusuf's remarks emphasize Romeo's past advocacy for diversity and inclusion during her tenure at the Department for International Trade (DIT), where she reportedly promoted several LGBTQ+ awareness initiatives among staff.

Critics argue that Romeo's efforts in promoting diversity have overshadowed more pressing issues, such as immigration control, with Yusuf highlighting that 65,000 illegal migrants have entered the UK during her time in leadership roles. The Reform UK spokesperson asserts that instead of rigorous governance, Romeo's focus has been disproportionately on social issues, which they believe detracts from her effectiveness as a civil servant and detracts from the needs of the broader populace.

The controversy surrounding Romeo's appointment raises essential discussions about the balance between diversity efforts within government roles and the pressing responsibilities of civil servants in addressing national challenges. It also reflects broader societal debates in the UK over identity politics and the direction of government policy under Starmer's leadership, with potential implications for upcoming elections as political parties navigate public sentiment regarding social issues and governance priorities.