Former Brexit negotiator Lord David Frost is now in charge of UK-EU relations - here's what we know about him

Lord David Frost has been appointed as a full member of Boris Johnson's cabinet to oversee the UK's future relationship with the EU.

The Conservative peer - and the prime minister's chief Brexit negotiator - will take up the key role of minister of state in the cabinet office from 1 March 2021.

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Lord Frost will also succeed Michael Gove as the UK chairman of the EU–UK Partnership Council, but report directly to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

A one-time boss of the Scotch Whisky Association, Lord Frost hasn't sought the public spotlight - so what is there to know about the Oxford graduate turned Mr Johnson's ally?

Who is Lord David Frost?

Born in Derby, England, in 1965, he is a lifelong supporter of the professional football team Derby County, despite being educated at neighbouring city’s Nottingham High School.

He studied French and History at the University of Oxford and left one of the world’s leading educational institutions with a first class degree, before joining the Foreign Office.

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At the Foreign Office he began a diplomatic career stationed in Brussels in the early 1990s, where it is said he developed Euroscepticism.

He was in Brussels at the same time as Boris Johnson, then working as the Daily Telegraph’s EU correspondent, before moving up the ladder at the Foreign Office.

What are Lord Frost’s links to the Scotch Whisky Association?

A career diplomat, who has held various senior roles in the Foreign Office, his appointment as chief executive at Scotch Whisky Association in January 2014 may have raised an eyebrow.

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Yet he oversaw somewhat of a modernisation of the trade body representing distilling interests during his time there, which coincided with the organisation’s move to Edinburgh’s Quarter Mile.

His time north of the border was short, however, as he was tempted back to London by Mr Johnson to become the future prime minister’s political adviser in the Foreign Office.

Lord Frost created a stir upon leaving the role, saying he would remember Edinburgh for its "filthy streets" and "overflowing bins" as much as the Scottish capital’s beautiful scenery.

What is Lord Frost’s relationship with Boris Johnson?

When Mr Johnson was appointed prime minister on 24 July 2019, succeeding Theresa May, he appointed Frost to negotiate with Brussels opposite the EU’s Michael Barnier.

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He led talks as the UK went through a transition period with the EU prior to the 31 December 2020 deadline and has been described as a “Brexit true believer” in numerous reports.

He was forced to self-isolate in March 2020 after showing mild symptoms of coronavirus.

When did Lord Frost become a Lord?

Mr Johnson, as prime minister, nominated Frost for a life peerage in June 2020.

It was an honour bestowed on him on 12 August 2020 when Frost became Baron Frost, of Allenton, in Derbyshire. He was introduced to the House of Lords on 8 September 2020.

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The PM also wanted Frost to succeed Lord Sedwill as the UK’s national security adviser.

It was a post he was due to take up earlier this year but a late change saw Frost replaced by Sir Stephen Lovegrove just a matter of days before he was due to start in the post.

What next for Lord Frost?

Lord Frost, an ally of former chief adviser Dominic Cummings, now has a key role in post-Brexit talks as the UK looks to establish a working relationship with the EU in the months and years ahead.

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