US Vice President JD Vance is hosting Conservative shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick at his Cotswolds holiday retreat this Tuesday. The meeting represents a notable piece of political diplomacy during what is primarily a family vacation at an 18th-century Georgian manor.
Vance will not meet Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch or Reform UK's Nigel Farage during his UK stay. A Conservative spokesperson said aides for Badenoch and Vance had been in conversation about a meeting but "just couldn't make it work with schedules".
The Vice President is holidaying with his family after spending the weekend with Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the grace and favour estate Chevening in Kent. They held discussions about Ukraine's future on Saturday before Vance began his family break.
Political connections
Jenrick has been invited for a one-on-one meeting on Tuesday before a drinks event. Dr James Orr, a Cambridge University philosophy professor, reportedly connected Vance and Jenrick through their shared conservative views, particularly on migration policy.
Both politicians share similar positions on the need for tougher migration controls. The connection highlights growing transatlantic cooperation between conservative figures on key policy areas.
Jenrick faces growing speculation about future Conservative leadership ambitions. Senior Tories at Westminster increasingly believe it's a question of when, not if, Badenoch will vacate the leadership role as she struggles to cut through with the public.
Diplomatic protocols
Sir Keir Starmer did not meet Vance during his UK trip, following diplomatic convention where senior politicians typically meet their counterparts. The Prime Minister's opposite number is considered to be Donald Trump rather than the Vice President.
The Conservatives currently sit third in opinion polls, trailing behind both Labour and Reform UK. Farage had hinted two weeks ago about potentially meeting the Vice President, saying "we'll see" when asked about the prospect during a radio appearance.
Sources used: "PA Media", "The Telegraph"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
