Sir Tim Barrow to replace Sir Ivan as UK ambassador to EU

Sir Tim Barrow

Sir Tim Barrow will replace Sir Ivan Rogers as the UK Ambassador to the EU next week, it has been confirmed.

The director general for politics in the Foreign Offce is a former ambassador to Moscow and has extensive experience in Brussels.

Theresa May reportedly ignored calls from within her party to appoint a fully-fledged Brexit supporter.

Sir Tim said: “I am honoured to be appointed as the UK’s Permanent Representative to the EU at this crucial time.

"I look forward to joining the strong leadership team at the Department for Exiting the EU and working with them and the talented staff at UKRep to ensure we get the right outcome for the United Kingdom as we leave the EU.”

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said Sir Tim was "just the man to get the best deal for the UK".

Sir Ivan quit on Tuesday criticising the "ill-founded arguments and muddled thinking" of politicians in his resignation letter.

He said the UK Government lacked an agreed exit strategy and revealed civil servants still do not know the Government's Brexit priorities.

It came just months after he controversially warned the Government that a post-Brexit trade deal could take a decade to finalise, and even then may fail to get ratified by member states.

Brexit Secretary David Davis said Sir Time would add to the "already extensive" negotiating team.

He said: "His knowledge of Brussels means he will be able to hit the ground running at a vital time, and steer UKRep throughout the negotiation period. I am confident that with his help, the UK will be able to forge a new relationship with the EU that works to the mutual benefit of both sides."

A Downing Street spokesperson said: “We are delighted that Tim Barrow is taking up this role.

"A seasoned and tough negotiator, with extensive experience of securing UK objectives in Brussels, he will bring his trademark energy and creativity to this job - working alongside other senior officials and Ministers to make a success of Brexit.”

  • Who is Sir Tim Barrow?

Sir Tim is a career diplomat who has worked for the Foreign Office since 1986.

He was the UK ambassador to Moscow from 2011 to 2016, having held various senior positions since his first overseas posting in 1989.

The 52-year-old, who was educated at the Universities of Warwick and Oxford, succeeded Simon Gass as the FCO Political Director in March 2016.

He has an "excellent relationship" with Leaver Boris Johnson, according to ITV News Deputy Political Editor Chris Ship, but is "probably" a Remainer.

Sir Tim "knows everyone" and "everything" in Brussels, Government sources tell ITV News.