Boris Johnson appoints long-term ally Edward Lister as Gulf special envoy

Role seeks to unlock potential of pivotal region

Edward Lister, right, will take up the role of UK special envoy for the Gulf on February 22. Pawan Singh / The National 

Boris Johnson appointed long-term ally Edward Lister as his special envoy for the Gulf on Friday, as part of an effort to bolster relations with the region and drive investment into the UK.

"The Gulf is a pivotal region both economically and geopolitically. I’m very pleased to be sending Lord Udny-Lister to work with our partners there and to unlock its potential," said Mr Johnson.

He was referring to Mr Lister by his title as a member of the House of Lords, the UK Parliament's upper chamber.

"His appointment marks my ambition to achieve a wholescale modernisation of our Gulf relationships, creating jobs and driving prosperity at home while delivering on our priorities and values overseas."

Mr Lister served as chief of staff during part of Mr Johnson's tenure as mayor of London between 2008 and 2016, and as chief strategy adviser to Mr Johnson when he became Britain's prime minister in 2019.

He briefly took over as Mr Johnson's chief of staff  towards the end of 2020, after the departure of Mr Johnson's chief adviser Dominic Cummings.

Mr Lister will take up the special envoy for the Gulf role on February 22 and report to Mr Johnson.

He will also work closely with the foreign secretary, secretary of state for international trade and the national security adviser.