Lindy Cameron, the U.K.’s High Commissioner to India, has been named the new permanent under-secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, making her the first woman to take on the position.
Her appointment is one of the first major foreign policy moves under Prime Minister Andy Burnham and comes as the department faces significant internal challenges. Cameron will lead the FCDO after a period of political controversy linked to Peter Mandelson’s appointment as U.S. ambassador and the departure of former FCDO chief Olly Robbins. The department is also preparing for job cuts and restructuring under its FCDO 2030 programme.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband selected Cameron ahead of former U.S. ambassador Karen Pierce and Deputy National Security Adviser Barbara Woodward. He highlighted Cameron’s extensive background in diplomacy, development and national security.
Cameron previously led the National Cyber Security Centre and held senior positions in the Northern Ireland Office and the former Department for International Development. Her experience in international development is also seen as closely aligned with Miliband’s priorities.
One of Cameron’s immediate challenges will be rebuilding staff morale while guiding the department through financial pressures. She will also need to help shape Britain’s future relationship with the United States and strengthen cooperation with the European Union, while maintaining the country’s role in climate and international aid diplomacy.
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