Jean-Claude Juncker's 'monster' aide given top Brussels role
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A top aide to Jean-Claude Juncker accused of anti-British leaking has been given the top civil service role at the EU.
German lawyer Martin Selmayr, known as 'the monster of Berlaymont', is due to become secretary-general of the European Commission at the end of this month.
He will be responsible for all of the Commission's business, including helping oversee the Brexit negotiations.
As Mr Juncker's chief of staff, Mr Selmayr has developed a reputation as a fearsome Brussels operator, with a prodigious work ethic.
However he has also been accused of deliberately undermining the Brexit negotiations by leaking details of meetings between Mr Juncker and Theresa May.
In October he was involved in a Twitter spat with former Downing Street aide Nick Timothy, who had accused him of passing details to a German newspaper.
At a press conference yesterday, Mr Juncker acknowledged his right-hand man's divisive reputation, saying: “He has one thing in common with me — we both have enemies.
“I am sure that Martin Selmayr will be an excellent secretary-general. We need a secretary-general who knows this place and knows Europe so there will be no political rupture.”
