PM Rishi Sunak appoints distinguished military officer as his national security adviser for the first time

A MILITARY officer will become the PM’s national security adviser for the first time.

Rishi Sunak has appointed distinguished General Gwyn Jenkins to the crucial post following decades of armed forces services.

PA

Rishi Sunak has appointed General Gwyn Jenkins as national security adviser – pictured with Ben Wallace[/caption]

He will replace Sir Tim Barrow who is leaving to become our ambassador to the United States.

General Jenkins is currently Vice Chief of the Defence Staff and previously served as head of the elite 3 Commando Brigade.

As No10 national security adviser he will help steer the UK’s response to emerging global threats.

Mr Sunak said: “He has a very distinguished career in the armed forces, he was in the special forces as well as serving in No10 as a military advisor and deputy national security adviser.

“I’d just point out it’s the first time we’ve had someone with a military background in that job and obviously he has worked in No10 as well so has that policy experience.”

General Jenkins said: “I look forward to playing my part and working with colleagues across government as we further adapt this approach, striving to keep our nation and way of life safe in these difficult times.”

Mr Sunak defended appointing Sir Tim as our man in Washington ahead of a general election as “entirely normal” following a backlash from Labour.