THERESA May is taking personal control of Brexit talks with the EU, with Dominic Raab deputising for her.
Mr Raab was drafted in as Brexit Secretary to replace David Davis, who quit in protest at the prime minister’s proposals for post-Brexit trade. A special unit in Mrs May’s office has played an increasing role in Brexit talks during recent months.
Tuesday’s announcement, in a written statement by Mrs May, formalises that shift in responsibility.
The Europe Unit led by senior civil servant Olly Robbins in the Cabinet Office, which reports directly to the prime minister, will have “overall responsibility for the preparation and conduct of the negotiations”, Mrs May said in her written statement.