May’s national security adviser quits suddenly

Theresa May’s national security adviser is retiring next month amid reports of tensions with Downing Street and suggestions he “mansplained” to the Prime Minister.

Sir Mark Lyall Grant, 60, will be replaced by Mark Sedwill, the Permanent Secretary in charge of the Home Office who previously worked alongside Mrs May. It comes after reports in November that Sir Mark “got into a lot of trouble” for talking over the PM. Sir Mark is an old Etonian who has served as UK ambassador to the UN. He is leaving after just 18 months in his current role.