Row as Rishi Sunak lines up ex-Brexit negotiator Tim Barrow to be US ambassador ... trends now
Rishi Sunak has sparked a row after lining up Sir Tim Barrow, his national security adviser, as Britain's next ambassador to the US.
The Prime Minister is said to have plumped for Sir Tim, who played a key role in the Brexit negotiations with the EU, for the prestigious position.
He is expected to take over from Dame Karen Pierce, the current ambassador, after the US election in November.
But Mr Sunak prompted anger from Labour who questioned why the PM was 'rushing through' a key diplomatic appointment before the UK's own general election.
They warned they could 'revisit' Sir Tim's appointment if Sir Keir Starmer replaces Mr Sunak in Downing Street.
Mr Sunak's decision to send Sir Tim to Washington DC is also a blow to those who had been touting Nigel Farage, an ally of Donald Trump, for the ambassadorship.
Rishi Sunak has sparked a row after lining up Sir Tim Barrow, his national security adviser, as Britain's next ambassador to the US
Prior to becoming national security adviser, Sir Tim served as the UK's ambassador to the EU, which saw him tasked with formally triggering Article 50 in March 2017
Labour warned they could 'revisit' Sir Tim's appointment if Sir Keir Starmer replaces Mr Sunak in Downing Street
Mr Sunak's decision to send Sir Tim to Washington DC is also a blow to those who had been touting Nigel Farage, an ally of Donald Trump, for the ambassadorship
The PM all but confirmed Sir Tim's appointment as Britain's new ambassador to the US when he said he will appoint General Gwyn Jenkins (left) as his new national security adviser
The PM all but confirmed Sir Tim's appointment as Britain's new ambassador to the US when he today said he will appoint a top general as his new national security adviser.
Mr Sunak said General Gwyn Jenkins, one of the most senior officers in the Armed Forces, has the 'requisite set of skills' for the role.
Prior to becoming national security adviser, Sir Tim served as Britain's ambassador to Russia and then the UK's top diplomat in Brussels.
This saw him tasked with formally triggering Article 50 of the EU treaty to pave the way for the UK's exit from the bloc.
He was subsequently a prominent member of Britain's negotiating team in Brussels during the Brexit process.
Sir Tim's likely appointment as the UK's man in Washington DC, first reported by the Financial Times, has sparked anger among Labour ranks.
A party official told the
