"Keir Starmer is poised to choose a new ambassador to Washington from a shortlist of three as relations with the US are tested over Ukraine and Donald Trump's attacks on European leaders. The prime minister held interviews with three finalists for the role this week, the Guardian has learned, with Downing Street preparing to make an appointment before the end of the year."
"The trio of candidates seen by Starmer were Varun Chandra, his business adviser who has helped negotiate a series of deals with the Trump administration, Christian Turner, a diplomat due to become ambassador to the UN, and Nigel Casey, the British ambassador to Russia. Whoever is chosen will be taking up the role at a critical stage in US-UK relations, with insiders warning of rising tensions over Ukraine and the White House's pugnacious national security strategy."
The prime minister interviewed three finalists this week and aims to appoint a new ambassador to Washington before the end of the year. The shortlisted candidates are Varun Chandra, Christian Turner and Nigel Casey. Chandra is seen as the frontrunner after helping negotiate trade, tech and pharmaceutical deals with the US; the Foreign Office prefers a career diplomat to reduce political risk. Turner and Casey are experienced senior diplomats with significant Whitehall roles. Casey entered the contest late, suggesting Downing Street dissatisfaction with the original list. Starmer met the US ambassador to discuss implementing announced trade and tech deals.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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