There was a horrible idea circulated last month by Quentin Letts (documented on this blog) that Jacqui Smith would be bought off by being offered the Governor’s chair in Gibraltar. It’s become habit that after a few military types then the Rock is due a failed politician to lurk in the Big House.

However, oh Frabjous Day! It is not to be.

The government wing of collaboration, betrayal and treachery, otherwise known as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has officially announced the appointment of Vice-Admiral Sir Adrian Johns as Governor of Gibraltar, in succession to Lt Gen Sir Robert Fulton. Sir Adrian will start polishing his chair during the autumn of 2009. He is married to Suzie (nee Dudley) and has four children – one son and three daughters. Sir Adrian was Second Sea Lord & Commander-in-Chief Naval Home Command (as Vice Admiral) between 2005-2008.

Previously he was Assistant Chief of Naval Staff, Ministry of Defence (as Rear Admiral), Head of Fleet Air Arm and Principal Staff Officer to Chief of Defence Staff (as Commodore). Other career highlights include the post of Commanding Officer of the HMS Campbeltown, Ariadne, Juno and Yarnton between 1981-1996, and Captain of HMS Ocean between 2001-03.

Whether he will take advantage of the Spanish free-to-air porn channels (after 10pm) we may never know but Jacqui Smith’s husband will not have to shell out on local Kleenex. Hurrah!