The media is reporting that the Chief of the Defence Staff, the operational head of the armed forces, is stepping down early. The term "early" needs some context, it is only early if measured against his revised contractual end date but it is worth remembering that Sir Jock's term was extended by the the Labour government.
The BBC report suggested that Sir Jock was seen as being "close to Labour", from what I've heard from military friends of mine his extension was less about him and more about his most likely replacement at the time, Sir Richard Dannatt.
Sir Richard was highly critical of the Labour government and was the last person that they wanted as the head of the forces, Sir Jock's extension was an unprecedented and pretty blatant move to keep him out of the top job. Any surprise that after treatment like (and worse) that from Labour he chose to work with the Conservatives when he retired?
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I see this as the last time in a very long time that a non-ground troops CDS will be in post. The next guy may be a Marine, but the RAF have had their day. A couple of squadrons based in Quatar (or wherever does not constitute a commitment to operations!
So after a deeply unpleasant whispering campaign being orchestrated by the Tories spin doctors aimed at undermining his position Sir Jock has been kicked out by the Tories to be replaced by a 'yes man'.
Meanwhile General Dannett has been refused a peerage (for the moment) because it is not appropriate for him to become political so soon after stepping down as Chief of the General Staff. Exactly what many people said when, prior to his retirement, he announced he would be advising the Conservative Party.
I guess we should now regard the British army as a political tool of government and nothing more.
Jimmy,
Two points, firstly speculation in the Times about who will replace Sir Jock does not constitute a whispering campaign.
Secondly, with regard to Gen Dannatt you are mixing up cause and effect. He came to us after he was slurred by the Labour spin machine and denied the promotion he was in line for.
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