General Sir Richard Dannatt is conservative leader David Cameron's senior military adviser and was due to be given a perrage and become a defence minister.
But the current head of the Army, General Sir David Richard warned him he could be prosecuted in the Army Act for accepting a controversial political job while he is still technically a serving officer.
Last week Sir Richard told David Cameron's inner cirle, "I certainly shan't become a defence minister this year. I think that would be counter-productive and most unwise. I'm more than happy to make general advice available to the Conservative Party."
Military commanders given peerages traditionally sit as cross-benchers and stay out of party politics.
Sir Richard's plan provoked a fierce backlash among current Army chiefs and David Cameron's Shadow Cabinet. Mr Cameron made a big error in jumping the gun with recruiting Sir Richard. At the time and since members of his defence team have felt angry and rightly so.
David Cameron won't be pleased with this development as he was cock-a-hoop at having recruited Sir Richard but I'm sure the good Sir will be able to voice his opinions to Dave from the cross-benches.
Of course the tories have to win the election first.
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