Kim Darroch Leaked Emails Controversy

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About

Kim Darroch Leaked Emails Controversy refers to the controversy surrounding former British Ambassador to the United States, Kim Darroch's comments towards President of the United States, Donald Trump and his administration which was included in emails which were later leaked.

The leaks led to the resignation of Kim Darroch who was to originally retire at the end of the year. The controversy occurred during the 2019 Conservative Party Leadership Election which played a vital role on whether frontrunner Boris Johnson would be responsible for his replacement if elected leader.

Developments

On July 7th, 2019, secret diplomatic cables from Darroch to the British government, dating from 2017 to 2019, were leaked to the British tabloid The Mail on Sunday.

They included Kim Darroch's unflattering assessments of the Trump administration, where he stated that the administration. that it was "inept and insecure".

The Prime Minister, Theresa May, expressed support for Darroch and ordered a leak inquiry.

Kim Darroch's Resignation

On July 10th, 2019, Darroch resigned as Ambassador to the United States. He wrote that "the current situation is making it impossible for me to carry out my role as I would like".

Criticism of Boris Johnson

Conservative Party MP and leadership contender, at the time, Boris Johnson was criticised for declining to publicly back Kim Darroch. Consensus among political commentators in the UK was that this made Darroch's position untenable.

Metropolitan Police Investigation

On July 12th, 2019, the Metropolitan Police launched an investigation into the leaked emails.

Reaction

Kim Darroch's Response

To be added.

Donald Trump's Response

Donald Trump tweeted that Darroch was "not liked or well thought of within the US" and that "we will no longer deal with him". Trump also branded Kim Darroch 'a very stupid guy'.

An aide of Donald Trump deeply regretted Kim's resignation.

Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn's Response

Both Theresa May and the leader of the opposition, Jeremy Corbyn, praised Darroch's service in the House of Commons and deplored that he had to resign under pressure from the United States.

A spokesman for the prime minister said that it was an ambassador's job to provide "an honest and unvarnished view" of the US administration. Darroch will remain in the post until a successor is appointed.