Nigel Farage vs Anna Wintour... but why are two Brits being touted as America's ambassador to UK?

Release time：2024-06-03 18:00:46 Source：International Insights news portal

Joe Biden and Donald Trump may be chalk and cheese in the race for the White House, but just as disparate are their potential choices as US ambassador to the UK – a pair of Britons who've set tongues wagging on both sides of the Atlantic.

In the blue (Democrat) corner stands Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour – nicknamed 'Nuclear Wintour' for her withering put-downs – who insiders say is on Mr Biden's shortlist if he wins in November.

And in the red (Republican) corner is Nigel Farage, the outspoken Brexiteer and close Trump advisor who could be rewarded with the job as a 'thank you' for his loyalty to the billionaire businessman.

Last night a major Democratic donor said: 'Anna's name is in the frame as potential US ambassador to the UK. 

She has been a loyal supporter of the Democrats and has raised a fortune for them.

In the blue ( Democrat ) corner stands Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour (left)

In the red (Republican) corner is Nigel Farage, the outspoken Brexiteer and close Trump advisor

'She's an integral part of Joe Biden's re-election campaign and is working on major fundraisers in Hollywood and New York. 

'She was first mentioned under President Obama and was top of Hillary Clinton's list in 2016, when Hillary was expected to win.'

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Anna Wintour, 74, exudes elegance in a white gown and colorful floral coat as she embraces The Garden of Time theme at the 2024 MET Gala in NYC

The insider said it is no surprise Ms Wintour, 74, is in the running: 'She knows everyone and has shown she is an expert at navigating politics, albeit in the world of international publishing. Plus she can throw a hell of a party.

'You need someone who has great connections and can straddle politics, business and celebrity and make people feel at ease. 

'Anna is more than qualified.'

Ms Wintour, whose fearsome management of her Vogue empire inspired the film The Devil Wears Prada, was born in the UK but holds dual nationality thanks to her late mother, an American.

Her annual Met Ball is a highlight of New York's social scene and attracts a 'Who's Who' of celebrities. 

Her deft political skills were on display when she successfully deflected a challenge for her job from former British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful, who many believed would succeed her. He left his role in March.

A source at Vogue publisher Conde Nast said: 'When Edward came on the scene everyone thought it a foregone conclusion he would replace Anna who was accused of being too old and white to take the company forward.

'But she embraced change and diversity and the Vogue empire she rules over today is very different to the one she inherited more than 30 years ago. She has outwitted anyone who challenged her.'

Ms Wintour's annual Met Ball is a highlight of New York's social scene and attracts a 'Who's Who' of celebrities

Ms Wintour, whose fearsome management of her Vogue empire inspired the film The Devil Wears Prada, was born in the UK but holds dual nationality thanks to her late mother, an American

Michelle Obama and Anna Wintour attend the grand opening of the Anna Wintour Costume Center in May 2014

Mr Farage, 60, has been one of Mr Trump's biggest supporters and was the first British politician to be pictured with him after he won the US election in 2016.

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Earlier this year multiple sources told The Mail on Sunday that Mr Farage was 'keen' on the idea of being US ambassador to the UK, although he would have to obtain US citizenship, which would need approval from Congress.

A senior Tory MP said it would be 'in Trump's gift' to appoint him Ambassador to the Court of St James.

'It would mean the next US President will have a view of Britain that isn't Labour's jaundiced view,' said the MP.

Ex-Foreign Secretary Lord David Owen has speculated that Mr Farage could be the next UK ambassador to the US. 

But Mr Farage describes himself as 'an Englishman through and through' and would likely prefer to serve Mr Trump while based in the UK.

Last week he urged Mr Trump to 'stay strong' after his hush money trial guilty verdict. 

Mr Farage, 60, has been one of Mr Trump's biggest supporters and was the first British politician to be pictured with him after he won the US election in 2016

Earlier this year multiple sources told The Mail on Sunday that Mr Farage was 'keen' on the idea of being US ambassador to the UK

Whoever lands the job gets magnificent Winfield House in Regent's Park

The current US ambassador to the UK Jane Hartley is a millionaire businesswoman appointed in 2022. Her tenure is due to end in November.

Whoever lands the job gets magnificent Winfield House in Regent's Park, which has a 12-acre garden, the largest private garden in London after Buckingham Palace.

A source said: 'Whoever wins in November, everyone is intrigued to see who will end up as ambassador to the UK. You couldn't have two more different characters than Nigel and Anna but both could bring fireworks to the job.'

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