The British ambassador to the United States has resigned days after memos leaked showing him criticizing the administration of President Donald Trump.
The leaked cables, which were widely circulated in the press in both countries, showed Kim Darroch claiming Trump “radiates insecurity.”
Darroch also said team members at the British Embassy in Washington “don’t really believe Trump’s administration is going to become substantially more normal; less dysfunctional; … less diplomatically clumsy and inept.”
Darroch said in a letter on July 10 that “the current situation is making it impossible for me to carry out my role as I would like.”
“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,” Darroch wrote. “I want to put an end to that speculation.”
“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,” he added.
“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.”
The letter was sent to Simon McDonald, the senior official at the Foreign Office.
