Williamson ‘is using defence role to boost his career’

GAVIN Williamson has been accused of using the Ministry of Defence as a stepping stone to boost his career – and of causing a diplomatic row with China.

The former head of the Army, General Lord Dannatt, described the Defence Secretary as ‘pretty ambitious’ after he made a provocative speech about sending warships to the Pacific.

His comments come after Chancellor Philip Hammond was reportedly forced to cancel a visit to China as Mr Williamson’s comments last week caused ‘irritation’ in Beijing.

Lord Dannatt said: ‘I think we all know he is pretty ambitious and wants to use Defence as a platform to develop his own career.’

He told Sky’s Sophy Ridge on Sunday: ‘Was he right to say we are going to send our aircraft carrier off to the Spratly Islands? To be honest, I don’t think he is.

‘I think he might have actually just over-sold that one and if it has had the disappointing effect that the Chancellor’s trip to China... if that’s been cancelled as a result then that’s a bad diplomatic move.’

In his speech, Mr Williamson talked about sending the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier to the Pacific, where China is embroiled in a territorial dispute.

The Chancellor had been expected to meet Chinese vice premier Hu Chunhua. Treasury sources said the trip was never confirmed, however a Whitehall source reportedly said tickets were booked.

Mr Williamson’s spokesman said: ‘He is entirely committed to getting the very best for the Armed Forces so they can stand up to the threats we face.’