�������t¶��

One person who has worked closely with the role said there may be benefits in having someone who has a broader perspective than a traditional 'securocrat' and who is not captured by what they call 'the machine'.

Dubbed the ultimate “securocrat,” Sedwill was a trusted lieutenant of Johnson’s predecessor, Theresa May, during her time as prime minister.

The South African military will never be allowed to occupy the space in national life that it did in the securocrat apartheid state.

There was the decree he signed freezing appointments of military, security and intelligence chiefs until 2025, ensuring his close circle of securocrat allies retain control.

He said he would support new measures to boost the security services' online capabilities "as much as any chisel-faced securocrat".