Christian Turner Named UK Ambassador to US Following Mandelson Departure

The UK government has appointed Christian Turner as the new British ambassador to the United States, filling the role left vacant after the removal of Lord Mandelson earlier this year.

Turner steps into what is widely regarded as Britain’s most senior and influential diplomatic posting, representing the UK in Washington at a pivotal moment for transatlantic relations. His appointment follows Mandelson’s departure from the role in September, after scrutiny over his past associations with the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

A career civil servant, Turner most recently served as political director at the Foreign Office, a position he held until September. He had been expected to take up the post of British ambassador to the United Nations later this month, but the US ambassadorship is seen as a significant promotion within the diplomatic service.

Welcoming the appointment, Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised Turner’s experience and leadership, emphasising the importance of the UK–US alliance. Starmer highlighted the “special relationship” between the two nations and said Turner’s background as a seasoned diplomat would help strengthen economic, security and strategic cooperation between London and Washington.

Turner brings decades of experience to the role. He previously served as British High Commissioner to Pakistan for more than three years and held senior positions within government, including international affairs adviser to the prime minister and deputy national security adviser between 2017 and 2019. His career also includes extensive work across the Cabinet Office and 10 Downing Street, as well as a range of overseas diplomatic postings dating back to the late 1990s.

Before entering the civil service, Turner worked in television, producing documentaries — an unconventional start that later gave way to a long-standing career at the heart of British foreign policy.

His appointment signals a desire for continuity and professionalism in one of the UK’s most strategically important diplomatic roles, as the government looks to reinforce ties with the United States following a turbulent period at the embassy.