US Vice-President JD Vance has struck up an unlikely friendship with Thomas Skinner, a star of the BBC show The Apprentice, during his visit to the UK. The pair enjoyed a barbecue together at Vance's holiday residence in the Cotswolds on Wednesday night, with Skinner describing the Vice-President as 'a proper gent'.
Skinner, 34, a trader from Essex who rose to fame on the 2019 series of The Apprentice, shared a photograph of himself with Vance on social media. He wrote: 'Here is a pic of Me and Vice President JD Vance towards the end of the night after a few beers. I’m overdressed in my suit, but when the VP invites you to a BBQ, you don’t risk turning up in shorts an flip-flops. Cracking night in the beautiful English countryside with JD, his friends and family. Once in a lifetime. Bosh.'
The amicable scenes contrasted sharply with protests earlier in the week near Vance's holiday residence in the Cotswolds. Locals criticised the heavy security presence, which included US Secret Service agents, as 'a bit over the top' and expressed anger at the visit. Sue Moon, a 54-year-old therapist from the area, said: 'The Cotswolds is the home of ordinary people who are not comfortable with JD Vance coming here. What is happening in America regarding reproductive rights is appalling.'
The barbecue was also attended by Cambridge academic James Orr and Conservative MP Danny Kruger. It is unclear if Skinner and Vance had met before, but their friendship has developed through social media. Skinner, a father of three, added in another post: 'When the Vice President of the USA invites ya for a BBQ an beers, you say yes. Unreal night with JD and his friends n family. He was a proper gent. Lots of laughs and some fantastic food. A brilliant night, one to tell the grand kids about mate. Bosh.'
Vance's UK visit has included a stay at Chevening House in Kent with Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and he is due to meet Reform UK leader Nigel Farage on Thursday. The encounter comes amid concerns from lawmakers in both the UK and US about Donald Trump's mental state.
