Prime Minister Rishi Sunak appoints a senior military officer as his national security adviser for the first time

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

Rishi Sunak has appointed leading General Gwyn Jenkins to the crucial post after decades in the armed forces.

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 Defense Staff and previously served as Chief of the 3rd Elite Commando Brigade.

As Number 10 National Security Adviser, he will help steer the UK’s response to emerging global threats.

Mr Sunak said: “He has had a very distinguished career in the Armed Forces, serving in the Special Forces and serving in Number 10 as a Military Adviser and Deputy National Security Adviser.

“I would just like to point out that this is the first time we have had someone with a military background in that position and obviously he has also worked in Number 10 and so has that policy experience.”

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

Mr Sunak has defended the appointment of Sir Tim as our man in Washington ahead of the general election as “perfectly normal” following a backlash from Labour.