THE Defence Secretary has caused a row at the top of the Armed Forces by dishing out a senior command job in secret.
John Healey was forced to U-turn after Strategic Commander General Sir Jim Hockenhull found out Royal Marine General Rob Magowan was to get his job when he leaves the post next April.
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The news came in an email blunder sent by Mr Healey’s private office.
Healey had promised the post of Strategic Commander, which oversees cyber and special forces, to Royal Marine General Rob Magowan.
It is one of the most powerful posts in the military, on par with commands of the Army, Navy and RAF.
Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin forced Mr Healey to back down, defence sources told The Sun.
Our source said: “This was a spectacular own goal.
“Hockenhull was furious. He stormed out.
“Then Magowan was told the deal was off — he was livid as well.”
Hockenhull regularly briefed Sir Kier Starmer on Ukraine and was well liked in Downing Street
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