Written Question·Ministry of Defence·UIN 115388

Ministry of Defence: Accountability

Tabled: 24 February 2026

Answered: 4 March 2026

Question

Steve Barclay

Conservative — North East Cambridgeshire

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2026 to question number 110769, if he will confirm whether any minister in his Department was made aware of the report prior to the appointment of the new Permanent Secretary.

Answer

Louise Sandher-Jones

As previously advised, the appointment followed an external competition and was approved by the Prime Minister.