Latest news with #SirGwynJenkins
The Independent
15-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Top special forces general Gwyn Jenkins named head of the Royal Navy
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins has been named as the new head of the Royal Navy, the Ministry of Defence said, following the earlier than expected departure of his predecessor. Royal Marine Sir Gwyn replaces Admiral Sir Benjamin Key as First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff. He is the first Royal Marine to be appointed to the role, and he has also been made an aide-de-camp to the King. In a statement, Sir Gwyn said: 'It is an honour to be selected as the next First Sea Lord. 'I feel extremely privileged to lead the exceptional sailors and marines of the Royal Navy at this pivotal time for UK Defence. 'Throughout my career, I have always been motivated by the vital role the Royal Navy has in keeping our nation safe. 'To do that now, we need to accelerate our return to a war fighting force that is ready for conflict, expand our modernisation efforts and deliver the Royal Navy our nation needs.' The general had been in line to become the UK's national security adviser until Sir Keir Starmer cancelled the appointment by his predecessor as prime minister, Rishi Sunak. On Tuesday, BBC Panorama reported claims Sir Gwyn had overseen the rejection of resettlement claims of Afghan commandos who served with UK special forces amid allegations of extra-judicial killings which were subject to a public inquiry. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) told the BBC it was 'fully committed' to supporting the ongoing inquiry and urged anyone with relevant information to come forward. The department said it was 'not appropriate for the MoD to comment' on allegations explored by the inquiry. Defence Secretary John Healey said the incoming First Sea Lord was a 'proven leader' as he welcomed him to the role. 'I know he will deliver in this pivotal role, making Britain secure at home and strong abroad,' Mr Healey added. Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said: 'As one of the outstanding Royal Marines of his generation, he brings with him a wealth of operational and organisational expertise. 'His appointment reflects a corps which is bound even more tightly to the way the Royal Navy thinks, operates and fights.' It is not yet clear when General Sir Gwyn will take up duties as the head of the Royal Navy. His predecessor, Admiral Sir Ben, stood down earlier than expected, amid an investigation which is understood to be related to a relationship with a female subordinate. An MoD spokesperson said it would 'inappropriate to comment at this time' due to the ongoing investigation. The Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell, is currently in command of the Royal Navy on an interim basis.
Telegraph
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Head of Royal Navy ‘stepped down over affair with female subordinate'
The head of the Royal Navy has stepped down following an investigation into his relationship with a female subordinate, The Telegraph understands. Admiral Sir Ben Key has stepped back from all duties while the Ministry of Defence (MoD) carries out an investigation into the consensual relationship. Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell, the Second Sea Lord, has taken full command of the Royal Navy during this time. Sir Ben, 59, who is married with three children, had previously announced that he would retire as First Sea Lord this summer. However, the MoD confirmed on Wednesday that he had already left the post. His abrupt departure, first reported by the Financial Times, came before he was due to speak at the First Sea Lord's Sea Power conference in London next week. Sources close to Sir Ben said at the time that he was unhappy with the state of the Navy and wanted to leave the service rather than accept a promotion. They added that Sir Ben was looking forward to enjoying a summer with his wife, Elly, and spending more time with their three children. Gen Sir Gwyn Jenkins, who commanded the Special Boat Service, is thought to be the frontrunner to take over as the head of the Navy. An MoD spokesman said: 'An investigation is ongoing and it would be inappropriate to comment at this time.' Sir Ben was approached for comment. 'An exceptional military officer' Sir Ben was appointed the head of the Royal Navy in 2021, succeeding Admiral Sir Tony Radakin. He had previously been the Vice Admiral and impressed bosses by leading the evacuation of 15,000 people from Kabul following the Taliban's takeover in August 2021. Ben Wallace, the defence secretary at the time of his appointment, said he was 'an exceptional military officer'. Sir Ben joined the Navy in 1984 as a university cadet. He graduated with a degree in physics from Royal Holloway, University of London. He qualified as both helicopter aircrew and a Principal Warfare Officer and has seen service around the world in a variety of frigates and destroyers. Throughout his career, he has commanded four ships including the mine hunter HMS Sandown, the frigates HMS Iron Duke and HMS Lancaster and the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious.
