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Prime ministers

New Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Appointed

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Cabinet Secretary, with the approval of the Prime Minister, has appointed Jeremy Pocklington as the new Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence. Jeremy will replace David Williams who is leaving the Civil Service. Jeremy will join the Ministry of Defence at a pivotal time as the government delivers on the new Strategic Defence Review to modernise the UK's armed forces and keep Britain safe and secure at home and strong abroad.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jeremy Pocklington, the current Permanent Secretary at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, has been appointed as the new Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence.
  • Pocklington will replace David Williams, who is leaving the Civil Service after four and a half years of leading the Ministry of Defence.
  • Pocklington brings leadership and delivery experience from his previous roles, including Permanent Secretary at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
  • Defence Secretary, the Rt Hon John Healey MP, has praised Pocklington's appointment, stating that he will drive the delivery of the Strategic Defence Review and make defence an engine for growth.
  • Incoming Permanent Secretary Jeremy Pocklington has expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating that he looks forward to working with the Defence Secretary, the ministerial team, and the military and civilian teams across defence.
  • The appointment follows an external recruitment exercise chaired by the independent First Civil Service Commissioner.
  • Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald has thanked David Williams for his excellent leadership of the Department over the last four years and his exceptional public service over the last 35 years.
  • Pocklington has also thanked everyone at the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero for their brilliant work over the last three years.

Statistics:

  • 4 and a half years: The amount of time David Williams has led the Ministry of Defence.
  • 35 years: The span of David Williams' public service career.
  • 3 years: The duration of Jeremy Pocklington's tenure as Permanent Secretary at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
  • 2025: The current year in which the appointment was announced.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Defence: "New Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary announced"
  • UK Government: "Appointment of new Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence"
  • Contify.com: "UK Government announces appointment of new Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary"

*Note: The dates mentioned above follow the original text and are not externalised*

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