Dannatt: Cameron asked me to reinforce his ‘weak’ team

David Cameron faced embarrassment today when it was claimed he privately admitted his shadow defence ministers "lacked expert understanding" of Afghanistan.

The disclosure of the Conservative leader's remark came from former Army chief General Sir Richard Dannatt, who recounted a phone call in which he was asked to become an adviser.

It will irritate Liam Fox, the shadow defence secretary, who is said to have voiced concern about the propriety of appointing a former Chief of the General Staff as a policy aide and possible future minister.

Sir Richard spoke out to defend his appointment against criticism from Labour and some military officers.

Speaking to an audience at the Windsor Leadership Trust last night, he said he had met Mr Cameron only a few times, twice for detailed discussions on military matters in the past 18 months. Then the Tory leader rang him a few weeks ago to make the job offer. "He put it to me that he was concerned his defence team — at a time when defence was really important, and Afghanistan was really critical — lacked expert understanding, and would I be prepared to advise his team, and, if the Conservatives win the election, would I be prepared to take a peerage and maybe join his ministerial team."

Sir Richard pointed out to Mr Cameron that he would still be a serving soldier until 22 November. "He said, I understand that but I would like to announce it at the Conservative Party Conference.' As with all things, it leaked out. I think it rather indicates it was not a long-term plot."

Some senior military officers think Sir Richard has shot himself in the foot as Labour can now dismiss his past criticisms of troops and equipment shortages as being politically motivated.

Several are unhappy at the prospect of such a senior figure looking over their shoulders as a minister.

Mr Cameron drew prolonged cheers when he announced in Manchester that Sir Richard would become a Tory peer and could become a minister.