Who is Sir Tim Barrow? UK ambassador to the EU who delivered Theresa May’s Article 50 letter to Donald Tusk
DOWNING Street's man in Brussels was tasked with handing over the historic letter splitting the UK from EU.
Sir Tim Barrow, seen as a wily behind-the-scenes fixer with a web of contacts, was given Britain’s top job in Brussels after Sir Ivan Rogers quit as EU ambassador.
Who is Sir Tim Barrow?
Sir Tim, 52, is said to be well-liked by Theresa May, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and Brexit Secretary David Davis.
He was educated at Warwick and Oxford before joining the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in 1986 and rising through the ranks.
The former ambassador to Russia was described by No 10 as a "seasoned and tough negotiator" who will help the Government make a success of Brexit.
His nickname is “Deep State”, after the conspiracy theory that a shadowy cabal secretly controls world power.
Sir Tim was appointed political director general at the Foreign Office in March 2016 after leaving his role in Moscow.
He has had two previous stints working as part of the UK's Permanent Representation to the EU (UKRep).
He handed over the letter to the EU Council from Theresa May officially invoking Article 50 on March 29, which starting the process of splitting from the EU.
What have other MPs said about the UK Ambassador?
Tory Dominic Raab said: “It will serve him well going into bat with the EU. He’s also a fixer who will bring some fresh thinking.”
A Downing Street spokesman said: "We are delighted that Tim Barrow is taking up this role. A seasoned and tough negotiator, with extensive experience of securing UK objectives in Brussels, he will bring his trademark energy and creativity to this job - working alongside other senior officials and ministers to make a success of Brexit."
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said Sir Tim was "just the man" to secure the best deal for the UK.
"Tim Barrow has been invaluable since I joined the Foreign Office in July and I want to personally thank him for his relentless energy, wise counsel and steadfast commitment," he said.
"He is just the man to get the best deal for the UK and will lead UKRep with the same skill and leadership he has shown throughout his career. I wish him all the best."
Is Tim Barrow a Remainer or Brexiteer?
Unknown, but a source told the he was not a 'remoaner' and suggested that he would have voted to remain in the EU.
However, he is now reportedly optimistic about Britain going it alone.
What is known is that he has a track record working for British interests within the bloc.
