Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has firmly dismissed speculation that he could become the UK's next ambassador to the United States. The former foreign secretary described suggestions linking him to the prestigious Washington role as "mischief" and said there was "no serious prospect" of him taking the position.
Lammy, who currently serves as Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, said he already has enough responsibilities. He told LBC Radio: "I think three jobs is quite enough. We've got some fantastic diplomats."
The speculation about Lammy's potential appointment emerged following Lord Mandelson's recent dismissal from the ambassador role. Lammy has a close relationship with US Vice President JD Vance, which had fuelled suggestions he could be a suitable candidate for the Washington posting.
Family and domestic focus
When pressed about whether he would want the job, Lammy emphasised his commitment to domestic affairs. He said: "I'm not expecting to move my young family to Washington, DC," adding that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Labour) had asked him to focus on supporting the government domestically.
Lammy explained that Starmer had called him just two weeks earlier to request his support on domestic issues and to deputise internationally when needed. He said: "That's what I'll be doing in the UN next week."
Diplomatic vacancy
Lord Mandelson was sacked from the ambassador position over the extent of his relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The dismissal has left one of the UK's most prestigious diplomatic roles vacant, prompting widespread speculation about potential successors.
Potential candidates for the Washington role could include outgoing MI6 chief Sir Richard Moore, former cabinet secretary Sir Mark Sedwill, or veteran diplomat Christian Turner. Turner is currently set to take up the ambassador role at the United Nations in New York, while James Roscoe serves as the current senior diplomat in Washington as charge d'affaires.
Sources used: "LBC Radio", "The Sun" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
