This archive report was first published on 10 July 2019.
July 10, 2019 - Britain's ambassador to the United States, Kim Darroch, has resigned following a series of leaked diplomatic cables that revealed his candid assessment of the Trump administration as 'inept' and 'clumsy.'
The resignation was announced by the UK Foreign Office on Wednesday, after US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that the White House would no longer deal with Darroch.
According to a letter to Simon McDonald, the permanent under secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Darroch expressed his desire to 'put an end to speculation' about his position and remaining term as ambassador.
'The current situation is making it impossible for me to carry out my role as I would like,' Darroch wrote.
UK Prime Minister Theresa May expressed her regret over Darroch's resignation, stating that the government owed him an 'enormous debt of gratitude.'
'Good government depends on public servants being able to give full and frank advice,' May said during Prime Minister's Questions.
Simon McDonald accepted Darroch's resignation 'with deep personal regret,' praising the ambassador's 'dignity, professionalism, and class' throughout his career.
