Defence Secretary John Healey has picked former Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff, British Forces Cyprus Polly Perkins CBE as his preferred candidate for the new Armed Forces Commissioner role.
She had a 30-year career in the RAF, that included deployments to Kosovo and Afghanistan.
The former Air Commodore appeared before the Defence Committee yesterday in a pre-appointment hearing to assess her suitability. The committee will publish its recommendations, which the government will consider before formally making the appointment.
If confirmed, she will act as an interim commissioner from 1 April until a permanent appointment is made through an open competition at a later stage.
A military spouse, as well as a veteran, she was a logistics specialist before moving on to senior leadership roles, many of them tri-Service.
The Armed Forces Commissioner will have power to investigate welfare issues and raise concerns about issues that affect Service life, including housing and equipment. They will be able to make unannounced visits to UK Defence sites, commission reports and make recommendations.
They will report directly to Parliament to hold the Government to account and take responsibility for the current Service Complaints Ombudsman.
Picture: LPhot Barry Swainsbury © Crown copyright 2023
PUBLISHED 26 MARCH 2025