Boris Johnson would remove security role from Cabinet Secretary

Boris Johnson would restore the full-time position of Government's chief adviser on security issues, Tory MPs said
EPA
WEST END FINAL

Get our award-winning daily news email featuring exclusive stories, opinion and expert analysis

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Boris Johnson intends to split the dual roles of top civil servant and the National Security Adviser, it has emerged.

The former foreign secretary would restore the separate, full-time position of the Government’s chief adviser on security issues, according to Tory MPs.

Theresa May caused consternation last year when she promoted Sir Mark Sedwill, who has filled the security post since 2017, to be the most senior civil servant at the same time.

No 10 said today that Mrs May had made clear in October that Sir Mark would maintain both roles.

There had been speculation she was keeping the NSA role available for her chief Brexit adviser, Olly Robbins, who is expected to step back from EU talks when Mrs May leaves Downing Street.

Sir Bernard Jenkin, who chairs the public administration committee, has warned Sir Mark may be less capable of challenging rival opinions in Whitehall if he has two roles that might conflict.

An ex-mandarin has voiced fears that the NSA role cannot be done “part-time” while working an “18-hour day” as Cabinet Secretary.

Former defence secretary Gavin Williamson is likely to back a split. He reportedly clashed with Sir Mark over resources allocated to cybersecurity.

He was keen to maximise the budget for conventional forces instead. Sources in the Johnson team said no decisions had been taken on appointments.

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in

MORE ABOUT