My solution? Call in the Army, says Ellwood

A “MILITARY officer” is needed in No10 to help it recover from recent scandals that have left it in a “temporary flux”, the chairman of the defence select committee has said.

Tobias Ellwood said that in order to give a “fresh approach” to the day-today running of Downing Street, someone with a military background should be brought in “take responsibility” and provide the public with a “sense of assurance that rigour will return to Downing Street, along with improved command and control”.

Writing on the Telegraph website today Mr Ellwood said that the military officer would not only be involved in operations but also in the management and processes of running a country.

“There is a reason we call on the military in times of need,” he said. “Their training in strategic thinking, situational awareness and management of the mission are invaluable in times of crisis. Why do we wait for things to go out of control before leaning on these assets?”

Mr Ellwood suggested a “serious military figure” such as Gen Sir Nick Carter, the former Chief of the Defence Staff, Gen Sir Gordon Messenger, former Vice-chief of the Defence Staff or Gen Sir Patrick Sanders, the head of Strategic Command, take on the brief.

He said such a move would show the nation that No10 was embarking on a “new chapter” as it would introduce a “very revived professional atmosphere based on competence and delivery”.

In a reference to a potential war between Russia and Ukraine, Mr Ellwood added that “the growing number of domestic and international crises we face demand serious statecraft, thought leadership and a vicehard sense of purpose which we know we can produce”.

“Discussing the picture is not enough,” he said. “It must be matched by grasp and ownership of the detail.”

Mr Ellwood added: “The obligation of overhauling No10 is a given. Let’s start the upgrade now. Beginning with a senior military appointment.”