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Keir Starmer is “irrelevant” and “not a priority,” according to sources inn the US president-elect’s inner circle
Incoming US President Donald Trump could sideline British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, placing him “at the back of the queue” of world leaders invited to Washington, The Mail on Sunday has reported, citing anonymous sources. The claim follows accusations from Trump’s team of Labour Party meddling in the US presidential elections.
Trump’s advisers are considering measures to snub Starmer, including rejecting Labour grandee Lord Mandelson’s candidacy as UK ambassador to Washington due to his perceived links to China, according to newspaper’s sources. Starmer himself will “have to eat humble pie” to secure a meeting at the White House, the newspaper added.
Some of Trump’s allies reportedly view Nigel Farage as a potential successor to Starmer, with the newspaper describing the move as “revenge” for Labour’s actions. Farage is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration on Monday, along with former British prime ministers, Liz Truss and Boris Johnson.
During the 2024 US presidential election, Labour’s director of operations, Sofia Patel, called on party staffers to campaign for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in key swing states. Reports suggest that nearly 100 Labour staff canvased for the democrat in the US. In response, Trump’s allies have filed a formal complaint with the Federal Election Commission, alleging foreign interference.
An unnamed Trump ally condemned Labour’s actions as “election interference, plain and simple,” adding “Who the f*** do these people think they are? Trump’s view is that it’s none of their business what is going on here, and they should have kept out.” The source noted that Labour’s efforts had left “a nasty taste in the mouth” for Trump and his team.
Another insider indicated that the incoming US president has strong UK contacts and prefers to operate through non-traditional routes, which “suits him just fine.” They dismissed Starmer as “irrelevant” and suggested that while a meeting may happen eventually, “the optics are more important” to the UK prime minister than to Trump.
A Downing Street source played down the tensions, stating that “neither Sir Keir nor No. 10 is overly stressing about when he gets out there.” Government insiders claimed that “constructive” discussions are ongoing with Trump’s team to arrange a visit for Starmer to Washington. Speaking to the Financial Times, the prime minister emphasized his efforts to build a “constructive” relationship with Trump, expressing optimism that this would help shield the UK from potential punitive trade tariffs.
Trump, who is set to be inaugurated on Monday, is reportedly eyeing a second state visit to the UK. Insiders suggest he may bypass the British government by appealing directly to the Royal family. If granted, it would make Trump the first elected politician in modern history to receive two state visits, following his 2019 trip hosted by the late Queen.
