US Vice-President JD Vance has struck up an unlikely friendship with Thomas Skinner, a former contestant on The Apprentice, during his visit to the UK. The pair enjoyed a barbecue together at Vance's holiday residence in the Cotswolds on Tuesday night, with Skinner describing the Vice-President as "a proper gent".
Skinner, a 34-year-old trader from Essex who appeared on the BBC show in 2019, shared a photo of himself with Vance on social media, writing: "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." The encounter also included Cambridge academic James Orr and Conservative MP Danny Kruger.
The amicable scenes contrasted sharply with protests earlier in the week near the Cotswolds residence, where locals criticised the heavy security presence, which included police and US Secret Service agents. Protester Sue Moon, a 54-year-old therapist, 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."
Vance, 41, is scheduled to meet Reform UK leader Nigel Farage later today. His visit has drawn attention amid concerns from lawmakers in both the UK and US about Donald Trump's mental state.
