Brexiteers have been left fuming as arch-Remainer Sir Olly Robbins emerges as a leading contender to replace Simon Case as Cabinet Secretary.
Robbins, who faced calls to quit in 2019 after blabbering about Brexit negotiations in a Brussels bar, is being courted by Sir Keir Starmer’s Chief of Staff Sue Gray to take the top role following a series of private meetings.
Case looks set to part ways with the Cabinet Office early next year, having come under fire after being implicated in the ‘Partygate’ scandal.
Speculation about Robbins succeeding Case as a top mandarin under Starmer comes amid growing concern about recent appointees being closely connected with the Labour Party.
Brexiteers fume as ‘white-flag’ Remainer Olly Robbins tipped for ‘chummy’ Labour job amid accusations of civil service ‘cronyism’PAHowever, criticism of Robbins as a potential hire came following his work as the UK’s chief negotiator during Theresa May’s disastrous attempts to strike a deal with Brussels.
Robbins, who quit the civil service after Boris Johnson’s thumping victory in 2019, negotiated a deal which was rejected by MPs three times.
May’s deal was accused of softening the UK’s departure from the EU and failed to extract further concessions on the Northern Ireland backstop.
GB News has spoken to a number of prominent Brexiteers about rumours swirling around Whitehall.
Former Brexit Minister David Jones, who stood down as Clwyd West MP ahead of the 2024 General Election, told GB News: “Olly Robbins was the main force behind Theresa May’s Chequers plan.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Sue Gray was announced as Sir Keir Starmer's new chief of staff in MarchPA“If that had been implemented, we would have been tied into the EU system indefinitely, with virtually no way out.
“I would be extremely concerned if he were to come back in a similar capacity.”
Ex-Brexit Opportunities Minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg added: “Along with the proposal to reintroduce free movement for under 30s, it is evidence that this Government is seeking to reverse Brexit.
“Olly Robbins’ approach to negotiations with the EU was to raise the white flag at the first opportunity.”
Former MEP David Campbell-Bannerman, who campaigned with pro-Brexit group Grassroots Out in 2016, added: “There seems to be a very chummy relationship between Labour and Robins, who gave us the disastrous Chequers deal.
“Will he be on the UK side this time or still the EU’s? It suggests a severe Brexit betrayal is on the cards.”
However, not all Brexiteers have expressed concerns about Robbins potentially joining Starmer’s Government.
Olly Robbins with ex-Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab
PA
Ex-European Research Group chairman Steve Baker, who lost his Wycombe seat on July 4, told GB News: “I anticipate there will be proper competition for the role in due course and I hope Olly is able and willing to apply. It’s not at all likely this is a done deal.
The former Brexit Minister added: “Olly Robbins is the consummate official, a true public servant with a great strategic brain, the highest standards and deep respect across Whitehall. I’d be all in favour of his appointment as Cabinet Secretary.
“I am clear that problems with the EU exit strategy during his tenure were attributable to political decisions in No10. I am confident Olly would make a terrific contribution to the life of the nation.”
However, Labour is also coming under increased criticism over its decision to appoint a number of staffers to key roles in the civil service.
Mitchell Burns-Jackson joined as Gray’s executive assistant and Annie-Rose Peterman landed a cushy job as the Prime Minister’s diary manager.
Labour-leaning think tank director Jess Sargeant was also appointed as a Cabinet Office adviser on constitutional reform, with ex-banker Ian Corfield becoming the Treasury’s investment director after donating £20,000 to MPs.
However, Labour sources have pointed out how previous Tory Governments also gave short-term contracts to former staffers.
GB News has approached the Labour Party for comment.
