Lord Levene handed MoD role

Defence Secretary Liam Fox has hired Lloyd's chairman Lord Levene to lead a new unit aimed at reforming the Ministry of Defence.

Fox set out his plans today confirming that Levene will chair the new Defence Reform Unit.

Fox described the reform unit as a "heavy hitting steering group [who] will guide the hard thinking and challenge preconceptions".

He said: “I have asked Lord Levene to chair this group and I am grateful for his acceptance.”

Fox’s plans also include a strategic defence and security review.

Levene will be supported from outside the MoD by Baroness Sheila Noakes, George Iacobescu, Dr David Allen, Björn Conway, and Raymond McKeeve.

"I will announce other members of this team in due course," said Fox

The reform unit will work with the Chief of the Defence Staff and service chiefs to find ways of of devolving greater responsibility for the running of the Services themselves.

The MoD will be reorgansised into three distinct sectors, or pillars: policy and strategy, the armed forces and procurement and estates.