Sir Keir Starmer has appointed Tony Blair's chief of staff Jonathan Powell - who negotiated the Chagos surrender and led a bungled attempt to spy on Russians with fake rocks - as the UK's new National Security Adviser.

Starmer appoints senior Blair-era aide Powell as National Security Adviser - Jonathan Powell will take over from Sir Tim Barrow in the role based in 10 Downing Street, the Cabinet Office said.

Starmer appoints Blair-era top aide as National Security Adviser - Jonathan Powell will take over from Sir Tim Barrow in the role based in 10 Downing Street, the Cabinet Office said.

Sir Keir Starmer today confirmed that Jonathan Powell would take up the senior post inside No10 in place of Sir Tim Barrow.