Top Brexit official Oliver Robbins leaves to take up job with PM
The senior civil servant is leaving David Davis' department to become Theresa May's EU adviser.
Monday 18 September 2017 13:36, UK
The top official at the Brexit department has quit to take up a role with Theresa May.
Oliver Robbins is standing down as permanent secretary at the Department for Exiting the EU and will now work as the Prime Minister's EU adviser.
The move will "strengthen cross-Government co-ordination" ahead of the next round of Brexit negotiations, according to a Government spokesman.
Despite his new role, Mr Robbins will remain as the UK's lead official during exit talks with the EU, which might suggest the move allows Mrs May to take a firmer grip on Brexit.
At DExEU, Mr Robbins reported to Brexit Secretary David Davis, with the pair claimed to have clashed at times.
The civil servant previously worked for Mrs May at the Home Office between September 2015 and July last year.
The Government spokesman said: "The Prime Minister has appointed Oliver Robbins as her EU adviser in the Cabinet Office, in addition to his role as EU Sherpa.
"He will continue to lead the official-side UK team in the negotiations, working closely with the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, and coordinate relations with the commission and member states.
"The Prime Minister has appointed Philip Rycroft, currently second permanent secretary at the Department for Exiting the EU and Cabinet Office, as permanent secretary, Department for Exiting the EU.
"The department will continue to support David Davis... to ensure a smooth exit and to seize the opportunities presented by leaving the EU.
"This will include his role as principal of the negotiations, leading on exit-related legislation, domestic preparedness for exit and engagement with stakeholders in the UK, including the devolved administrations, and in the EU27 and beyond."
Labour claimed the move revealed Government chaos over Brexit negotiations.
Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer said: "Moving key individuals at this critical time adds a whole new dimension to the Government's chaotic approach to Brexit.
"Deep divisions in the Cabinet and a complete lack of leadership are putting the national interest at risk."
But Rupert Harrison, former chief of staff to ex-chancellor George Osborne, suggested Mr Robbins' new role was "an improvement" as it was "always odd to have dual role for both PM and DExEU".