Boris Johnson has ditched plans to make his chief Brexit negotiator the National Security Adviser (NSA).
The Prime Minister said in a statement that Lord (David) Frost would instead be appointed as Representative for Brexit and International Policy and head of a new International Policy Unit in No 10.
An announcement last July that he would assume the key post of NSA led to criticism because, unlike previous holders of the post, he is a political adviser rather than a career civil servant, and lacks security experience.
The NSA is responsible for advising the Prime Minister and Cabinet on international and domestic security matters. The role will instead be filled by Sir Stephen Lovegrove – the permanent secretary to the Ministry of Defence.
“I am also delighted to appoint Sir Stephen Lovegrove as my National Security Adviser. 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.”
Lord Frost – who will take up the post on February 1 – will be responsible for leading the UK’s institutional and strategic relationship with the EU and help to maximise the opportunities of Brexit, the Government said.
He said: “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.”
He said: “It has been an immense privilege to serve as the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence for the past five years.
“Working with the whole force – our armed forces, both regular and reserve, civil servants, our suppliers and everyone that makes up the defence community – has been an honour.
“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.”
Downing Street said Mr Johnson reversed his decision to make Lord Frost NSA in order to “maximise the opportunities” for the UK after Brexit.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “He will lead the UK’s institutional and strategic relationship with the EU and he will help drive through changes to maximise the opportunities that flow from the deal we reached with the EU.
“He will also work on other international trade and economic issues.”
Asked whether Mr Johnson thought Sir Stephen would be a better fit for the role, the spokesman said: “No, that’s not what we’ve said. I don’t accept that.”
No 10 confirmed that Lord Frost will report to the Prime Minister in his new role, with the peer continuing in his “leave of absence” from the House of Lords.
