Lord Frost: Former Brexit negotiator enters cabinet as minister for relations with EU

Peer takes over from Michael Gove as UK representative on Joint Committee with EU

Boris Johnson’s former Brexit negotiator, Lord Frost, has been appointed to a cabinet-level post in the government as minister for relations with the European Union.

The hardline Brexiteer will take over from Michael Gove as London’s representative on the Joint Committee with Brussels on implementation of the Brexit divorce agreement, as well as becoming the UK chair of the joint Partnership Council to discuss differences over the operation of the Christmas Eve Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

Mr Gove’s move out of the crucial role as point-man with Europe sparked speculation at Westminster that the Scottish-born minister might be being lined up for a new role defending the Union.

Appointed the PM’s Europe adviser on Mr Johnson’s arrival at Downing Street in July 2019, David Frost led the negotiation of the withdrawal agreement and trade deal.

He was made a peer last year and named as the PM’s next national security adviser but before he could take the post it was announced on 29 January that he would, instead, become UK representative for Brexit and international policy.

His appointment as a full cabinet member and minister of state under Mr Gove in the Cabinet Office, effective from 1 March, places one of Mr Johnson’s closest allies at the heart of the government’s approach to Europe.

It is understood that he has been ordered to help drive through changes to maximise the opportunities of Brexit, including for trade.

He will co-ordinate relations with EU institutions and the 27 member states, work on reform to domestic relations made possible by the UK’s departure and head co-ordination of international trade policy.

Lord Frost said: “I am hugely honoured to have been appointed minister to take forward our relationship with the EU after Brexit.

“In doing so, I stand on the shoulders of giants and particularly those of Michael Gove, who did an extraordinary job for this country in talks with EU over the past year.”