Alex Thier, executive director of the Overseas Development Institute, said: ‘Matthew Rycroft brings invaluable foreign affairs and diplomatic experience to the leadership of the Department for International Development.

‘Development is not only a technical problem but a deeply political process. Programmes in developing countries need to be grounded in political realities to eradicate poverty and achieve prosperity.

‘Mr Rycroft’s political and negotiating skills, and experience of navigating complex international processes at the UN, will equip him well for international development challenges such as driving global climate action, preventing conflict and sustaining peace.

‘Two of the greatest challenges he will face is ensuring that DFID finds an effective response to the concentration of poverty in fragile states, and ensuring that DFID remains a leader on global development across all government departments.

‘Mr Rycroft must now get behind the DFID team who are doing extraordinary work.’

ENDS

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact James Rush on [email protected] or +44 (0)7808 791265