Jonathan Powell, who served as Chief of Staff to former Prime Minister Tony Blair during his decade in Downing Street, has quietly accepted a significant advisory role with China's top prosecution authority, The Independent can reveal.
The surprising appointment sees one of Westminster's most experienced political operators now consulting for the Supreme People's Procuratorate of China, raising questions about the evolving relationship between British political figures and the Chinese government.
From Downing Street to Beijing
Powell, who worked closely with Blair throughout New Labour's time in government from 1997 to 2007, confirmed his new position when approached for comment. The role marks a notable departure from his previous work in British politics and international mediation.
His extensive experience in high-stakes negotiations, particularly during the Northern Ireland peace process, has apparently made him an attractive candidate for Chinese authorities seeking to understand Western political systems and improve their international legal cooperation.
Political Reactions and Concerns
The development has sparked mixed reactions across the political spectrum. Some Conservative MPs have expressed unease about a former senior Labour figure taking such a position given ongoing tensions between Western nations and China.
Meanwhile, sources within Labour circles suggest the move reflects Powell's continued engagement with international governance matters rather than any political statement about UK-China relations.
Broader Context of UK-China Engagement
This appointment comes at a sensitive time in diplomatic relations between London and Beijing. The UK government has been walking a careful line between maintaining economic ties with China while addressing security concerns raised by intelligence agencies and backbench MPs.
Powell's decision to work with Chinese judicial authorities highlights how former British political heavyweights continue to find opportunities on the global stage, often in roles that might prove controversial given current geopolitical climates.
The former chief of staff has maintained a relatively low profile since leaving government, focusing on writing and mediation work through his organisation Inter-Mediate, which specialises in conflict resolution in various international trouble spots.
