Baroness Valerie Amos.Photo: pinterest.
Top candidate for the post of UK ambassador to the US
Valerie Amos, a baroness and former UN under-secretary-general, is considered the frontrunner to become the next British ambassador to Washington. Her close professional and personal relationship with Lord Allie, an influential donor to the Labour Party, adds a new dimension to the discussions about the appointment. This was reported by The Telegraph.
International career of Baroness Amos
Baroness Amos, who has been a long-time member of the Labour Party and is a Principal of University College, Oxford, is also known for her achievements on the international stage, including as British High Commissioner to Australia and Minister for International Development in Tony Blair’s government.
Close ties with Lord Alli
An important aspect of her political career is her long-standing partnership with Lord Allie, which goes beyond a purely professional relationship. The two share a common Guyanese heritage and a common goal of supporting young people of African and Caribbean descent in the UK. Lord Allie has for many years supported the Amos Bursary, a charity founded by Baroness Amos that provides opportunities for talented young people through mentoring and career support. Lord Allie has not only supported the organisation financially, but has also provided offices for important meetings and interviews.
Lord Allie’s influence in the Labour Party
His role in British political life is notable not only for his generous donations to the Labour Party, which have reached more than £700,000, but also for his close relationship with key figures in the party, including the Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer. The latter, along with his family, watched the exit polls in Lord Allie’s penthouse.
The investigation into Lord Alli
However, Lord Alli has not been without scandal. He is currently being investigated by the House of Lords Commissioner for “failing to register interests”, but stresses that this was an “unintentional mistake”.
Baroness Amos’s popularity among diplomats
Given Baroness Amos’s professional achievements and her ties to Lord Allie, her candidacy for the post of British Ambassador to the United States is of great interest in diplomatic circles. The decision on her appointment is expected to be made after the US presidential election, but she already has the support of many influential figures in both Britain and Washington.
