MOD confirms impartiality for National Armaments Director

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the future National Armaments Director will be subject to Civil Service rules on political impartiality and will be required to declare any outside interests, according to a series of written answers provided to Parliament on Thursday.

In response to questions from Conservative MP James Cartlidge (South Suffolk), Defence Minister Maria Eagle outlined the expectations for the high-profile role, which is currently under recruitment.

When asked about the restrictions on political activities for the appointee, Eagle said: “The successful candidate for the National Armaments Director role, like any Civil Service appointment, will be subject to the Civil Service Code, including its standards on political impartiality.”

She added that the individual “will be required to declare any outside interests as part of the recruitment process in accordance with the policy on declaration and management of outside interests.”

Cartlidge also queried how performance and potential bonuses would be assessed. In her written reply, Eagle confirmed that: “The parameters and performance targets will be agreed in line with the salary approval from the Chief Secretary to the Treasury.”

Asked how frequently the Secretary of State for Defence plans to meet with the new appointee, Eagle responded: “The Secretary of State will meet with the National Armaments Director as often as necessary to deliver the required Defence outputs.”

The National Armaments Director is expected to play a key role in coordinating the UK’s defence procurement, including major equipment programmes and industrial engagement.

The candidate brief for the role was recently published by the Ministry of Defence, as part of its broader strategy to strengthen senior leadership within the department.