MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Ex UK Army chief critical of Afghanistan policy to join Tories

Retired General Sir Richard Dannatt insisted on more troops for Afghanistan

David Cameron is to unveil ex-army chief General Sir Richard Dannatt as the latest recruit to his team. Sir Richard - who has been embroiled in a bitter row with Downing Street over troop levels in Afghanistan - is expected to become an adviser to the party on defence issues.

Mr Cameron's spokeswoman refused to give details of the appointment, which is due to be included in his speech to the Tory conference in Manchester. But she said: ”I can confirm that there is an announcement tomorrow (Thursday).“

Sir Richard is set to be made a peer as part of the deal, meaning he could serve as a minister. Speculation has been mounting over the former Chief of the General Staff's future role.

He fuelled the rumours in a round of interviews by saying he would ”theoretically“ be interested in joining Government. I have always taken the view that I will get on with the job at hand and do it as well as I can,” he said.

“If someone in a future life wants me to do something else, well, let them ask the question and I will give the answer.”

Speaking at the Conservative conference in Manchester, Mr Cameron said: “I have spoken to him on previous occasions, as well as recently, about his views about how we improve our armed services and support their families and make sure we rebuild that military covenant, how we successfully pursue what we are doing in Afghanistan. He is a man of great talent and ability. He has been a great public servant and I think he has more to do.”

Sir Richard assumed the ceremonial post of Constable of the Tower of London, having stepped down from the army over the summer.