Jonathan Powell: the adviser who has become a powerful influence on UK foreign policy

"In his book about working as Tony Blair's chief of staff in No 10, Jonathan Powell warned of the danger leaders surrounding themselves with flatterers and yes-men. He quoted the Italian philosopher of power Niccolo Machiavelli on how it was one error into which princes are apt to fall because men take such pleasure in their own concerns, and so deceive themselves with regard to them."

"But Machiavelli's lessons are no doubt useful to him in his new reincarnation as Keir Starmer's national security adviser (NSA), where he regularly rubs shoulders with Donald Trump and leaders in the Gulf and far east. Since his appointment directly made by Starmer less than a year ago, Powell has arguably become the most influential foreign policy figure in government."

"One insider said Powell was the only person Starmer really trusts on foreign policy and he defers to him. That goes some way towards explaining why Starmer has moved to protect Powell from the barrage of political criticism he has faced over the collapse of the trial of two British men, including a former parliamentary researcher, accused of spying for Beijing. Powell attended a meeting of senior Whitehall figures in September to discuss the implications of the trial days before it was abandoned."

Jonathan Powell warned about leaders surrounding themselves with flatterers and quoted Machiavelli on self-deception. Powell now serves as Keir Starmer's national security adviser and regularly meets figures such as Donald Trump and Gulf and Far East leaders. Since his appointment by Starmer less than a year ago, Powell has become arguably the most influential foreign policy figure in government, with insiders saying Starmer defers to him. Starmer has moved to protect Powell amid political criticism after the collapse of a trial accusing two British men of spying for Beijing. Downing Street denies Powell shaped government evidence; officials publicly defended him.

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