Taken from the Times in August 08.
The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), is understood to have told the Prime Minister that Mr Browne should remain in his post while Britain attempts to withdraw from Iraq and expand its force in Afghanistan.
Not exactly apolitical.
In addition, neither of the ministers rumoured to be possible replacements for Mr Browne - John Hutton, the Business Secretary and Shaun Woodward, the Northern Ireland Secretary - have much confidence among senior commanders. Despite being an amateur military historian, Mr Hutton is seen by some in the military as being too close to the defence industry contractors who are unpopular with many service personnel.
Maybe Gordon doesn't like to be told what to do?
Will Hutton be able to work with a CDS who was closely aligned with his predecessor?
I predict a Boris Johnson moment here.
AA