Former adviser to Gordon Brown appointed to lead UK's EU negotiations

Michael Ellam, a former adviser to Gordon Brown, has been appointed by Sir Keir Starmer to lead negotiations with the EU. He will leave his position at HSBC to become the Cabinet Office's second permanent secretary for EU and International Economic Affairs. Ellam's appointment follows a trend of New Labour figures returning to government, including Jonathan Powell and Lord Mandelson. The government aims to improve EU relations without reversing Brexit. He replaces Sir Olly Robbins, who previously led Brexit negotiations. Ellam brings 20 years of civil service experience, including a role as Downing Street's director of communications.