Jonathan Powell, the former chief of staff to Tony Blair, has been announced as Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s new National Security Adviser.
The 68-year-old, who played a key role in peace talks that led to the Good Friday Agreement, will succeed Sir Tim Barrow in the Downing Street-based role.
Powell said: “I am honoured to have been appointed as the National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister. This is a hugely important role at a time where national security, international relations, and domestic policies are so interconnected.”
Welcoming the appointment, Keir Starmer said: “Jonathan has devoted his career to protecting the interests of the country, having served for seventeen years as a diplomat in the Foreign Office and ten years as Chief of Staff in No10, and I am delighted to appoint him to this important role.”
Powell currently works as CEO of Inter Mediate, a charity that works on resolving international conflicts.
He added: “As the Prime Minister has set out, national security is at the heart of this country’s response to the many challenges we face and having an integrated response will be crucial to our success.
“I look forward to advising the Prime Minister and working closely with Ministers and officials in this new role.”
- SHARE: If you have anything to share that we should be looking into or publishing about this story – or any other topic involving Labour– contact us (strictly anonymously if you wish) at [email protected].
- SUBSCRIBE: Sign up to LabourList’s morning email here for the best briefing on everything Labour, every weekday morning.
- DONATE: If you value our work, please donate to become one of our supporters here and help sustain and expand our coverage.
- PARTNER: If you or your organisation might be interested in partnering with us on sponsored events or content, email [email protected].
Value our free and unique service?
LabourList has more readers than ever before – but we need your support. Our dedicated coverage of Labour’s policies and personalities, internal debates, selections and elections relies on donations from our readers.
