Prime Minister Keir Starmer has selected the seasoned diplomat Christian Turner to serve as the United Kingdom's next ambassador to the United States, a senior Downing Street source has confirmed.
Replacing a Controversial Figure
Turner will take over the crucial Washington role from Peter Mandelson, who was dismissed from the post in September. Mandelson's removal came after he failed to fully disclose the nature of his connections to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
An investigation revealed that Mandelson had written to Epstein in 2008, encouraging the financier to "fight for early release" from prison. Epstein was serving an 18-month sentence at the time for charges related to procuring a child for prostitution and soliciting a prostitute.
A Seasoned Diplomat Takes the Helm
Christian Turner is a career diplomat with extensive experience in high-stakes international relations. He is currently the UK's ambassador to the United Nations in New York. Prior to that posting, he served as the Political Director at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
During his tenure as Political Director, Turner is understood to have cultivated a strong working relationship with the incoming Labour administration before his assignment to New York. The Foreign Office was reportedly adamant that the sensitive Washington position be filled by an individual with deep diplomatic expertise.
Officials emphasised the need for an ambassador capable of navigating the potential turbulence of a possible second Donald Trump administration, underscoring the role's strategic importance.
The Selection Process and Other Candidates
Turner's appointment follows a competitive selection process. He was chosen over other notable candidates, including the Prime Minister's business adviser, Varun Chandra. Chandra is now expected to assume a broader, enhanced role within Downing Street.
Another candidate considered for the prestigious post was Nigel Casey, the UK's current ambassador to Russia. The decision ultimately favoured Turner's direct experience and the Foreign Office's preference for a career diplomat in the role.
The position of US ambassador has remained vacant since Mandelson's departure last autumn, making Turner's swift appointment a key priority for the new government as it seeks to reinforce the vital transatlantic partnership.
