Keir Starmer intends to delay the selection of a new ambassador to Washington until after the US election. This decision stems from his desire to identify the incoming administration before finalizing his nominee.
The Labour party has been deliberating over potential candidates such as Cathy Ashton, David Miliband or Peter Mandelson for this diplomatic role. However, Tim Barrow is not being considered at this time, despite the Conservatives' initial endorsement of him before the election.
shift in US political dynamics has led ministers to postpone their decision until it becomes clearer who will assume office following November’s elections.
As part of his duties, Starmer is set to meet with Joe Biden at the White House during a NATO summit attendance later this week. Officials hint that Karen Pierce, the present ambassador and close associate of President Trump who frequently appears on Fox News, may be reappointed by Starmer if he continues her current stint.
Starmer's choice for ambassador carries significant weight, potentially influencing UK-US relations for several years to come. An insider stated: "The dilemma for him will likely hinge on whether to choose a political appointee or opt for an administrative civil servant role. The decision might be deferred until after the November election."
Recruitment processes have commenced, with the aim of having a candidate ready by 25 January when Karen Pierce's current term concludes. Bronwen Maddox from Chatham House emphasized the importance of this role in shaping bilateral relations between nations and Congress alike.
Rishi Sunak’s administration previously selected Tim Barrow for the position, but his appointment was suspended due to the general election, allowing Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy to initiate a fresh selection process. Despite various high-profile names being considered, including Ashton, Mandelson, Miliband, and Simon Fraser, their chances of securing this role may be affected by potential political biases given the current administration's stance on civil servants in diplomatic roles.
The relationship between the UK ambassador to the US and President Trump has been characterized as cordial, with Trump reportedly expressing admiration for Pierce during his tenure as Prime Minister when she served as the UK Ambassador at the UN in New York. Despite this rapport, political dynamics are expected to influence Starmer's eventual decision on ambassador selection after November's US election results become clear.
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