Leadership of merged DfID evidence of ‘hostile takeover’ by FCO, say critics

NGOs and MPs fear appointments to Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office reflects unbalanced priorities

The UK's ambassador to the EU is to become political director of the newly merged Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), one of seven senior officials who will form the core of the leadership team when the department launches next week.

Tim Barrow is one of five appointees from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office chosen to serve on the board of the FCDO. Two further appointments are officials from the Department for International Development (DfID).