Sir Kim Darroch resigns as UK ambassador to US after leaked Donald Trump emails

SIR Kim Darroch has resigned as British ambassador to the United States.
Sir Kim Darroch who has decided to resign as the UK ambassador to the US, the Foreign Office has said. Picture: Niall Carson/PA WireSir Kim Darroch who has decided to resign as the UK ambassador to the US, the Foreign Office has said. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Sir Kim Darroch who has decided to resign as the UK ambassador to the US, the Foreign Office has said. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

In leaked emails Sir Kim referred to Donald Trump and his White House as ‘inept’, 'insecure' and 'incompetent'.

The leaks brought a furious response from the US President who called Sir Kim ‘wacky’ and a ‘very stupid guy’.

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Sir Kim announced today that he would be standing down from his position of ambassador – he was due to finish his term in the role at the end of the year.

In a letter to Sir Simon McDonald, the permanent under secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Sir Kim wrote: ‘Since the leak of official documents from this Embassy there has been a great deal of speculation surrounding my position and the duration of my remaining term as ambassador. I want to put an end to that speculation.

‘The current situation is making it impossible for me to carry out my role as I would like.

‘Although my posting is not due to end until the end of this year, I believe in the current circumstances the responsible course is to allow the appointment of a new ambassador.

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‘I am grateful to all those in the UK and the US, who have offered their support during this difficult few days. This has brought home to me the depth of friendship and close ties between our two countries. I have been deeply touched.

‘I am also grateful to all those with whom I have worked over the last four decades, particularly my team here in the US. The professionalism and integrity of the British civil service is the envy of the world. I will leave it full of confidence that its values remain in safe hands.’

In response to Sir Kim's letter, Sir Simon said: ‘On behalf of the Diplomatic Service, I accept your resignation with deep personal regret.

‘Over the last few difficult days you have behaved as you have always behaved over a long and distinguished career, with dignity, professionalism and class.’

The front-runner to become the next Prime Minister Boris Johnson has faced criticism for failing to give Sir Kim his full support.

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