UK’s Brexit chief Olly Robbins quits so next PM can choose new envoy to kickstart talks with EU
BRITAIN’S top Brexit negotiator will quit this summer rather than leading talks under the new PM.
Senior mandarin Olly Robbins is expected to take up a lucrative City job after leaving the civil service.
His resignation will allow Boris Johnson or Jeremy Hunt to pick their own envoy to Brussels as they try to turbo-charge Brexit talks.
Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill could also be on the way out within months.
Mr Robbins has been a controversial figure with Brexiteers blasting him as a “roadblock” to quitting the EU.
He was repeatedly accused of stopping efforts to drive a tougher bargain with Brussels.
But allies insist he was only carrying out instructions from Theresa May.
Mr Robbins is expected to leave his post shortly after the new Prime Minister taks office on July 24.
He is reported to have already lined up a high-paid job with a bank.
The Whitehall veteran worked in the Treasury, No10 and Home Office before taking over as chief Brexit negotiator in 2016.
Stewart Jackson, an ex-Tory MP who worked in the Brexit Department, said: “Like Theresa May, Olly Robbins was now a roadblock to resolving Brexit.”
Mr Johnson or Mr Hunt is likely to pick a new negotiator who is seen as more pro-Brexit.
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As well as Mr Robbins, Sir Mark Sedwill – head of the whole civil service – is said to be lining up a move when the new PM takes over.
He reportedly wants to become Britain’s new ambassador to the US.
This year Sir Mark accused Gavin Williamson – now one of BoJo’s closest allies – of leaking state secrets from the National Security Council.
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