Row at the top of Armed Forces after Defence Secretary dishes out senior command job in secret
John Healey was forced to U-turn after Strategic Commander General Sir Jim Hockenhull found out Royal Marine General Rob Magowan was to get his job when he leaves the post next April.
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The news came in an email blunder sent by Mr Healey's private office.
Healey had promised the post of Strategic Commander, which oversees cyber and special forces, to Royal Marine General Rob Magowan.
It is one of the most powerful posts in the military, on par with commands of the Army, Navy and RAF.
Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin forced Mr Healey to back down, defence sources told The Sun.
Our source said: 'This was a spectacular own goal.
"Hockenhull was furious. He stormed out.
'Then Magowan was told the deal was off — he was livid as well.'
Brit & French generals to lead rebuilding of Ukraine army with team sent in DAYS
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Daily Mirror
15 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Donald Trump caught on 'hot mic' saying real thoughts about Vladimir Putin
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Powys County Times
44 minutes ago
- Powys County Times
Starmer says allies must ‘get this right' ahead of crunch Ukraine talks
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Here's why: — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) August 18, 2025 In a video posted on X, Sir Keir said of the conflict: 'Everybody wants it to end, not least the Ukrainians. 'But we've got to get this right. We've got to make sure there is peace, that it is is lasting peace and that it is fair and that it is just. 'That's why I'm travelling to Washington with other European leaders to discuss this face to face with President Trump and President Zelensky, because it's in everyone's interests, it's in the UK's interests that we get this right.' The Prime Minister will be joined by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italy's leader Giorgia Meloni and Alexander Stubb, the president of Finland. Nato chief Mark Rutte and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen are also attending. In a message on his Truth Social platform, Mr Trump said President Zelensky 'can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight'. 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Western Telegraph
an hour ago
- Western Telegraph
Trump says Washington talks could lead to ‘trilat' with Ukraine and Russia
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