The boss of the government’s flagship campaign to promote British trade around the world has resigned amid frustration over Whitehall bureaucracy.

Sky News has learnt that Dan Ramsay, who joined the GREAT campaign just under two years ago, is quitting to return to the private sector in an undisclosed role.

His resignation comes just days before Britain hosts a Global Investment Summit that will be attended by scores of leading financiers and business leaders.

It also comes less than a month before Glasgow stages the crucial climate change conference COP26, which is expected to be critical in setting binding new carbon reduction targets.

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Sources said that Mr Ramsay’s decision to step down had been motivated in part by a growing sense that he was unable to inject real momentum into the GREAT-branded trade promotion drive.

In June, ministers launched what they called a “refreshed” marketing effort for the country, with Boris Johnson saying: “The UK is steeped in a long and dynamic history of discovery and fresh ideas, powered by our ability to see and do things differently.

“It is this spirit that the world needs now more than ever as we confront the challenges of Covid, tackle climate change, and strive for a better future for everyone on our planet.

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“And I believe that it’s precisely that spirit that puts the ‘great’ into Great Britain and Northern Ireland.”

Mr Ramsay, who is based in the Cabinet Office, will step down at the end of October, according to insiders.

His role will be assumed on an interim basis by Kate Taylor Tett, a colleague, while a permanent successor is recruited.

A former executive at BT Group, Mr Ramsay could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.

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