Keir Starmer has sparked fury after handing a top government job to Tony Blair’s former chief of staff, who negotiated the recent surrender of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

It was announced this morning that Jonathan Powell, who was Tony Blair’s right-hand man in Number 10 for 10 years, has been appointed as the government’s new national security adviser.

He will replace Sir Tim Barrow in this crucial role and will coordinate the country’s security, intelligence and defense policy at Downing Street.

The decision, however, sparked fury, given the central role played by Mr Powell in the recent negotiations which saw the handover of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

He was appointed special government envoy to negotiate the future of the British Overseas Territory in September and openly said at the time that the UK should not be “too worried about losing this piece of territory” .

Despite fears that ceding the islands to Mauritius could backfire given the country’s close ties to China, he dismissed concerns because the Chagos Islands are “very small… where no one actually goes”.

He added casually: “We probably lose more to tidal erosion on the East Coast than that.” »

The move has already sparked backlash, with Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty saying: “For Keir Starmer rewarding Jonathan Powell, the man largely responsible for the Chagos Islands debacle, after bringing him to negotiate the deal alongside David Lammy, by appointing him as the new national security adviser hardly inspires confidence in Labour’s foreign policy.”

Political commentator Rupert Myers added: “What a reward for ceding the Chagos Islands! And then? Will Dawn Butler become race relations czar?

Sir Tim Barrow’s replacement was initially proposed to General Gwyn Jenkins by Rishi SunakHowever Sir Keir quietly canceled this appointment shortly after winning the general election.

Commenting on this news, the Prime Minister said he was “delighted to appoint him to this important position”.

“With his experience negotiating the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and working on some of the world’s most complex conflicts, he is uniquely qualified to advise the Government on how to meet the challenges ahead and to engage with counterparts around the world to protect and advance the country. British interests.

“I would also like to thank Sir Tim Barrow for his service and for the support and advice he has given me. He has helped guide the national security community through some of the most difficult periods in history recent history, demonstrating throughout his exceptional commitment to public service and to the safety and security of this country, I am confident that he will continue to play a positive role on these issues in the future.

Mr Powell said he was “honoured” to be given the top job and agreed with the Prime Minister that security “is at the heart of this country’s response to the many challenges we face”.

Last night it was reported that Sir Keir’s plan to hand over the Chagos Islands had been thrown into doubt following the election of Donald Trump, with Nigel Farage pressuring members of the president-elect’s team to intervene and sabotage the plan.

Joe Biden had backed Sir Keir’s plan, but opposition from Donald Trump could prove difficult as the treaty has not yet been signed.