What’s the real reason Starmer axed his national security adviser?

Keir Starmer is making a big mistake by cancelling the appointment of one of Britain’s top generals as national security adviser. General Gwyn Jenkins, the ex-vice-chief of the armed forces, was picked for the role by Rishi Sunak in April. Jenkins is a widely-respected military man and was a perfect choice for the job. But Starmer has reportedly axed Jenkins’s appointment and opted instead to re-run the application process.

Jenkins is, technically, entitled to apply a second time. He is a formidably qualified candidate: a Royal Marines general who was vice-chief of the Defence Staff until June, he had previously served as military assistant to prime minister David Cameron and deputy national security adviser with responsibility for conflict, stability and defence from 2014 to 2017. However, if his first appointment – which was carried out under normal procedures and regulations – has been cancelled it is hard to see why he would suddenly be chosen a second time.