National security adviser PM overturns appointment of general chosen by Tories

Keir Starmer has cancelled the appointment of one of Britain's top generals as his national security adviser in a move senior civil servants fear is designed to pave the way for a more politically loyal candidate.

- Kiran Stacey

The prime minister has overturned the decision by Rishi Sunak to appoint Gen Gwyn Jenkins, the vice-chief of the defence staff, to the most senior security position in the government, officials have told the Guardian.

Though Jenkins will be allowed to apply again for the job, some in Whitehall believe Starmer's decision is another sign of his determination to promote his allies to the most important roles in the civil service.

One official said: "This looks like another part of the grab for power by Keir Starmer and [his chief of staff] Sue Gray. The process to appoint Jenkins was run with full transparency, and there is no good reason to do it all over again."

Another person who was involved in Jenkins's initial appointment called Starmer's decision a "mistake". They said Jenkins "is very impressive".

One person familiar with the decision said it had been taken by Starmer personally rather than by Gray.

Downing Street said: "We will confirm updates in due course."