Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to wait until after the US election to appoint a new ambassador to Washington, sources have revealed. This strategic decision is influenced by the desire to see whether Joe Biden or Donald Trump wins the presidency before finalizing the pick.
Labour has been considering high-profile political appointees such as Cathy Ashton, David Miliband, or Peter Mandelson for the crucial role. The decision to delay comes after the Conservative choice, Tim Barrow, outgoing national security adviser, was set aside following the general election. Ministers are now hesitant to proceed with any appointment while Trump leads in the polls and Biden faces challenges within his party.
Starmer’s upcoming meeting with Biden at the White House, coinciding with a Nato summit, will further inform his decision. Meanwhile, Karen Pierce, the current ambassador with strong connections to Trump and a frequent guest on Fox News, is being considered for reappointment. Her tenure is valued for its continuity and established rapport with the former president.
The selection of the UK’s representative to the US is a significant diplomatic decision for Starmer, shaping UK-US relations for the foreseeable future. The dilemma revolves around choosing a political appointee versus a routine civil service appointment, a decision that will be influenced by the outcome of the US election.
The government has initiated a recruitment process, aiming to have the new ambassador in place by January 25, when Pierce’s term ends. Bronwen Maddox, CEO of Chatham House, emphasized the importance of this post, noting its critical role in forging relationships with both the US president and Congress.
The previous Conservative government had decided to replace Pierce with Barrow, a move suspended by the general election, giving Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy the opportunity to restart the selection process. Barrow has been informed that he will not be appointed.
Among those considered for the role are Ashton, Mandelson, and Miliband, although their ties to the Labour party and civil service backgrounds might not favor a potential Trump administration. The former president had a contentious relationship with Pierce’s predecessor, Kim Darroch, but speaks highly of Pierce, enhancing her standing as a potential candidate.
Pierce is open to staying in her position and has expressed strong attachment to her current role, stating at a Washington event that she would “have to be dragged out of here by my fingernails.”
This careful consideration reflects the high stakes involved in the appointment, ensuring that the selected ambassador aligns with the anticipated US administration and effectively represents UK interests.
