Trump: Farage would be ‘great’ UK ambassador to US

US President-elect Donald Trump (L) and UKIP leader Nigel Farage pose for photographer at Trump Tower, New York, November 13, 2016. (Photo by The Independent)

US President-elect Donald Trump says UK Independence Party (UKIP)’s interim leader Nigel Farage can do a “great” job as Britain’s ambassador to America.

“Many people would like to see Nigel Farage represent Great Britain as their Ambassador to the United States,” Trump said in a tweet on Monday evening. “He would do a great job!”

During his campaign run, Trump found a close friend in Farage, a member of the European parliament and one of the major leaders of the campaign to withdraw the UK from the European Union (EU).

The British politician even traveled to America and joined Trump on the stage, encouraging the then Republican presidential nominee’s supporters to learn from the Brexit vote and overcome all odds.

UKIP leader Nigel Farage (L) joins then US Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump at a rally in Jackson, Mississippi, August 24, 2016. (Photo by AFP)

On June 23, nearly 52 percent of Britons participating in an EU referendum voted to end the UK’s membership in the 28-member bloc, although most polls had predicted a defeat for the Leave campaign.

Farage stepped down after the historic referendum but was called back for duty after his successor Diane James left office in a matter of days due to her inability to unite the party.

After the election, the UKIP leader once again headed to New York and met the US president-elect at Trump Tower.

This is the first time that an incoming American president is suggesting an opposition figure as their favorite ambassador of another country. Trump’s move is likely to put UK Prime Minister Theresa May and her Tory government in a difficult position.

"There is no vacancy," a government spokesman said. "We already have an excellent ambassador to the US."

In January, Kim Darroch, a former UK national security adviser and permanent representative to the EU, took over the position.

Farage has repeatedly criticized Darroch, saying he should resign as he is part of the “old regime.”

However, the UKIP leader does not see himself fit for the job either, saying diplomacy is not his best skill.

“I don’t think I will be the ambassadorial type. Whatever talents or flaws I have got I don’t think diplomacy is at the top of my list of skills,” he once told Sky News.

 


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