Oliver Robbins, the former chief Brexit negotiator, has been appointed as the most senior civil servant at the UK Foreign Office.

This move follows the departure of Sir Philip Barton, who announced he would step down after serving five years and navigating the political landscape through the transition to a Labour government.

Robbins, who was on the shortlist last year for the position of cabinet secretary, emerged as the favoured candidate of Foreign Secretary David Lammy to assume the role of permanent undersecretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO).

His appointment comes after a period away from the civil service, having left in 2019 after tumultuous Brexit negotiations.

Robbins brings a wealth of experience in international affairs and national security, well-positioning him to navigate the increasingly complex global environment characterized by events such as the potential return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

In confirming the appointment, Lammy stated, "I have set out from day one that I want to rewire the FCDO to act as the international delivery arm of this government’s missions, as well as devising our broader international strategy.

Olly Robbins is exactly the person to help me deliver this, and I am delighted to welcome him into the FCDO."

Lammy also highlighted Robbins’ extensive experience, gained across various Whitehall departments, emphasizing his capability to focus on growth, migration, and national security.

Robbins' arrival is expected to mark a period of strategic reorientation for the FCDO.

Prior to this, Robbins was a partner at Hakluyt, a consultancy founded by former MI6 officers, and had not previously been linked with the role.

His candidacy as cabinet secretary, believed to be backed by Sue Gray, Starmer’s former chief of staff, faced some opposition due to his association with Brexit.

Upon his appointment, Robbins expressed his excitement, stating: "After five years out of the civil service, I return believing more strongly than ever in the value of those capabilities and the public service principles that underpin them." His new role is backed by his extensive background, having climbed the ranks since joining the civil service as a fast-streamer in 1996.

His career highlights include serving as principal private secretary to both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, becoming deputy national security adviser, and counseling Theresa May during Brexit negotiations.

These roles have fortified his reputation as a highly capable and experienced civil servant.

Robbins takes over from Sir Philip Barton, who faced criticism from MPs over the handling of the chaotic withdrawal of UK staff from Afghanistan following the fall of Kabul to the Taliban.

Barton’s tenure also included overseeing the merger of the Foreign Office with the international development department in 2020.

Throughout his career, Barton served as the UK high commissioner to Islamabad, deputy head of mission in Washington, and as acting chair of the Joint Intelligence Committee.

Upon announcing his early retirement, Barton reflected on his tenure and offered his best wishes to Robbins for the future leadership of the FCDO.