The UK’s most senior official leading EU talks has been moved into a new role advising Theresa May, after reported tensions with the Brexit secretary, David Davis.

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Oliver Robbins will be replaced as permanent secretary of the Department for Exiting the EU (DExEU) in a move the government claimed would allow him to focus on the Brexit negotiations instead of running a large organisation.

But the reshuffle immediately provoked claims that Robbins has moved to work for No 10 after disagreements with Davis, who has also lost his special adviser and two ministers since the election.



It also appears to be a sign the prime minister is taking greater control over the negotiations, which have been dominated by Davis and his department. Robbins is known to be a close ally of May; his relationship with Davis is more distant.

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He will remain the most senior official on the UK negotiating team, while Philip Rycroft, his former deputy, will take over as permanent secretary at DExEU.

Downing Street sources argued that Robbins had always worked in No 10 because of his dual role as EU sherpa for the prime minister and tried to downplay the significance of the move.

However, Keir Starmer, the shadow Brexit secretary, said moving key players at such a crucial time “adds a whole new dimension to government’s chaotic approach to Brexit”.

Vince Cable, the Liberal Democrats leader, said it was a “sign of the chaos and division at the heart of this government”.



“Conservative ministers are trying to drive through an extreme Brexit no matter the cost, ignoring expert advice from civil servants,” he said. “With Boris Johnson trying to grab the tiller of HMS Brexit, it’s little wonder the rest of the crew are jumping ship.”

A government spokesman said: “In order to strengthen cross-government coordination of the next phase of negotiations with the European Union, the prime minister has appointed Oliver Robbins as her EU adviser in the Cabinet Office, in addition to his role as EU sherpa.

“He will continue to lead the official-side UK team in the negotiations, working closely with the secretary of state for exiting the European Union, and coordinate relations with the commission and member states.



“[DExEU] will continue to support David Davis, the secretary of state for exiting the EU, to ensure a smooth exit and to seize the opportunities presented by leaving the EU.

“This will include his role as principal of the negotiations, leading on exit-related legislation, domestic preparedness for exit and engagement with stakeholders in the UK, including the devolved administrations, and in the EU27 and beyond.”