Should Navy Chief get top job?

[Finningley Boy]

https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/defence/royal-navy-admiral-warns-dangerous-politics-plaguing-uks-chief-defence-job-3135090

To be fair, the last time a former 1st SL got the CDS post was Lord Boyce, 2001 to 2003, and it was a short stay, I believe he wasn't happy with the invasion of Iraq?

FB

[air pig]

https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/defence/royal-navy-admiral-warns-dangerous-politics-plaguing-uks-chief-defence-job-3135090

To be fair, the last time a former 1st SL got the CDS post was Lord Boyce, 2001 to 2003, and it was a short stay, I believe he wasn't happy with the invasion of Iraq?

FB
Lord Boyce I believe, peed off Blair et al by demanding solid legal basis and justification in writing, from Goldsmith the Lord Chancellor for the 2003 Iraq debacle.

[Fortissimo]

It's good to know that Admiral West thinks its time there was another RN CDS, but to be fair he has been thinking that since the days of Admiral Boyce. But it's very thoughtful of him to chip in as a Labour peer on the dangers of political interference in the selection of the next CDS. Off to take my irony pills again...

[ex-fast-jets]

It matters not a jot what Alan West thinks - he is well past his sell-by date.

And it should matter not a jot which Service provides the next CDS.

What should matter is that the best person available gets the job.

[NutLoose]

What should matter is that the best person available gets the job.


will never happen.

[Melchett01]

It shouldn’t matter what Service fills the top jobs, it’s down to capability rather than it’s our turn. And Lord West knows that.

And whilst I can’t comment on Adm Radakin - he was an outside bet for 1SL anyway - Ben Key was allegedly all set for stardom until a bit of long screwdrivering caused a change of plan - give it a couple of years and I’d bet my house on Tim Fraser getting the job next time round.

[Old-Duffer]

I notice that there is a gathering clamour in the 'chattering classes' to make the Sec of State for Health accountable for the NHS directly.

Perhaps this will catch on and the next CDS will be an MP or (like Tom Windsor) a political appointee - my money is on Baroness Harding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Old Duffer

[Finningley Boy]

I notice that there is a gathering clamour in the 'chattering classes' to make the Sec of State for Health accountable for the NHS directly.

Perhaps this will catch on and the next CDS will be an MP or (like Tom Windsor) a political appointee - my money is on Baroness Harding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Old Duffer
And when we get a Labour Government next time, could such a development mean the CDS appointment going to Lady Emily Thornberry? or Dame Diane Abbot?:confused:

FB