London: Britain on Tuesday dismissed U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's unprecedented expression of support for Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage to be made British ambassador to Washington, saying pointedly that there is no vacancy for the job.
Trump, who after his election victory met Farage ahead of any EU leaders, said on Twitter that "many people" would like to see the former metals trader turned Brexit campaigner as Britain's ambassador.
"Many people would like to see @Nigel_Farage represent Great Britain as their Ambassador to the United States. He would do a great job!" Trump said on Twitter.
Prime Minister Theresa May, who congratulated Trump on his victory, was swift to reject such an undiplomatic proposal.
"There is no vacancy," a Downing Street spokesman said when asked about Trump's remark on Tuesday. "We already have an excellent ambassador to the US."
It is highly unusual in the modern era for leaders to publicly suggest to foreign nations who they would like to see as ambassador.
Farage, leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP) and one of the key figures of the successful referendum campaign for Britain to leave the European Union, spoke at a Trump rally during the U.S. campaign and visited the president-elect after his victory.
"Brexit Britain means huge global opportunities. One of the first places the UK should start is in the U.S. with Donald Trump," Farage, 52, said shortly after his meeting with Trump.
The photograph of Trump greeting one of the EU's biggest critics before a gilded elevator caused consternation in EU capitals, many of whom view Trump with a mixture of fear and puzzlement.
Kim Darroch, the current British ambassador in Washington, did not reply to emails from Reuters requesting comment on Trump's remarks.
Queen Elizabeth might invite Trump for a state visit to Britain next year, a spokeswoman for May said on Monday.
Trump, who after his election victory met Farage ahead of any EU leaders, said on Twitter that "many people" would like to see the former metals trader turned Brexit campaigner as Britain's ambassador.
"Many people would like to see @Nigel_Farage represent Great Britain as their Ambassador to the United States. He would do a great job!" Trump said on Twitter.
"There is no vacancy," a Downing Street spokesman said when asked about Trump's remark on Tuesday. "We already have an excellent ambassador to the US."
Advertisement
Farage, leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP) and one of the key figures of the successful referendum campaign for Britain to leave the European Union, spoke at a Trump rally during the U.S. campaign and visited the president-elect after his victory.
Advertisement
The photograph of Trump greeting one of the EU's biggest critics before a gilded elevator caused consternation in EU capitals, many of whom view Trump with a mixture of fear and puzzlement.
Advertisement
Queen Elizabeth might invite Trump for a state visit to Britain next year, a spokeswoman for May said on Monday.
© Thomson Reuters 2016
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Awkward, Exposed, Lacking Direction: Why Donald Trump Is Struggling How Rupert Murdoch Helped Create A Monster - The Era Of Trumpism - And Then Lost Control Of It For Debate Against Kamala Harris, Donald Trump Picks This Hindu American Kolkata Rape-Murder: Fractures, 150 mg Semen, Other Claims Denied By Cops Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah To Be Prosecuted In Land Scam Case CBI Team At Kolkata Hospital For Digital Mapping Of Crime Scene BHU Admission 2024: Undergraduate Round 1 Seat Allotment Result To Be Released Today US Teen Robs Convenience Store, Then Kills Man Of Indian Origin On CCTV, Stray Dog Goes On Biting Spree In UP, 17 People Attacked In 1 Hour Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.