An American diplomat has described Tory leader Liz Truss’ image in the White House as a “loyalist” to Boris Johnson and someone who will be the extension of his government, according to a US media report.
Ms Truss, who has maintained a comfortable lead over opponent Rishi Sunak to succeed Mr Johnson in 10th place, also has a mixed crowd of admirers and critics at home.
But a recent report by Politico magazine, citing several people from the US White House, Congress and federal agencies, points to a so-called “branding problem” for Ms. Truss.
While the Secretary of State may not be carrying as much baggage as Mr Johnson in the eyes of US officials, many still see her as an extension of his administration.
An unnamed US diplomat familiar with the UK file was quoted as describing Ms Truss as a “Boris loyalist” who is “likely to continue the policies and tone of Johnson’s government”.
However, the diplomat said the US-UK relationship is “unlikely to change”.
While both countries have long histories of trade and cooperation, and the UK’s leadership campaign has so far been dominated by pressing domestic issues such as soaring energy bills and the cost of living crisis, the issue of the Northern Ireland Protocol will have something to offer for external relations as well.
The diplomat, quoted by Politico, predicted “how a truss government approaches protocol will be the first major test of the relationship.”
Ms Truss has outlined a plan to revise aspects of the NI Protocol – a controversial treaty that avoided a hard border with Ireland by creating a border in the Irish Sea, prompting backlash from the EU, Labor and even some Tory backbenchers Has.
Earlier, a report by The Guardian quoted an EU diplomat as saying there was nothing to suggest Ms Truss would abandon the approach she was pursuing as foreign secretary.
“If the British government carries out the plan already outlined, I think it is fair to say that relations will deteriorate,” the diplomat said.