Army chief promoted to top military post
By politics.co.uk staff
General Sir David Richards will take over from Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup as the most senior military officer in Britain this October, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed.
The current head of the Army’s promotion will follow the completion of the strategic defence review, which defence secretary Liam Fox told Chatham House yesterday is expected to reshape Britain’s armed forces to face the needs of “deterrence” in the 21st century.
Sir Jock is leaving six months earlier than planned in a move many have speculated has been politically motivated.
Prime minister David Cameron paid tribute to him, saying he had served with “real distinction” as chief of the defence staff.
“I have been personally grateful for his advice since becoming prime minister and know that he will continue to make an extremely valuable contribution in the months ahead,” Mr Cameron said.
“I have no doubt that Sir David will build on this in the years to come, ensuring that all three services play their part in protecting Britain’s national security in Afghanistan and elsewhere.”
Sir David commanded the UK contingent in East Timor in 1999 and the UK joint task force in Sierra Leone in 2000. He then commanded international forces in Afghanistan from May 2006 to February 2007.
