Boris Johnson has ditched plans to appoint his chief Brexit negotiator to the role of national security adviser months after sparking a backlash over the political appointment.
Instead, Sir David Frost, who led the UK’s negotiations with Brussels over a trading agreement, will become the prime minister’s representative for Brexit and head of a new international policy unit in No 10.
Mr Johnson faced intense criticism for installing Lord Frost in the role of national security adviser last year because, unlike previous holders of the post, he is a political adviser rather than a career civil servant.
But in a statement on Friday, Mr Johnson announced he was reversing the decision, saying: “I am hugely grateful to Lord Frost for his herculean efforts in securing a deal with the EU, and I am thrilled that he has agreed to be my representative for Brexit and international policy as we seize the opportunities from our departure from the EU.”
Lord Frost added: “I am delighted to take up this new role as the prime minister’s representative on Brexit and international policy.
“With a new agreement with the EU in place, we have huge opportunities to boost our wealth and define what we stand for as a country internationally, and I very much look forward to supporting the Prime Minister on this.”
The coveted role of national security adviser will now be filled by Sir Stephen Lovegrove, who is currently the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and responsible for setting defence strategy.
“Stephen brings with him a wealth of experience from across Whitehall and in national security and I look forward to working closely together to deliver this government’s vision for the UK in the world,” Mr Johnson said.
Lord Peter Ricketts, the UK’s first national security adviser, joined the condemnation of Lord Frost’s appointment last summer, suggesting the prime minister “accords absolute priority not to expertise and experience, but to political loyalty among his closest advisers”.
But he welcomed the government’s decision on Friday, saying: “Stephen Lovegrove is an excellent choice as national security adviser. It means that the UK will once more have a full-time top-level professional with real expertise in this key job. It also means that David Frost’s position is much clearer as a political adviser to the PM.”
Nick Thomas-Symonds, the shadow home secretary, added: “Government chaos and confusion has led to a significant delay in appointing a permanent national security adviser.
“Getting such a crucial appointment wrong, in the face of warnings, shows a worrying error of judgment by the prime minister on the crucial issue of our country’s safety. National security is Labour’s number one priority and we will continue to put pressure on the government to get its approach to this vital issue right.”
Sir Stephen, who takes up the role next month, said: “I am delighted now to be taking up the role of the national security adviser.
“On this broader canvas I aim to deliver the prime minister’s vision for an enhanced and more engaged role for the UK in the world, leading the national security community to embrace the opportunities now available to us, while ensuring we are well prepared to deal with the challenges we face.”
