Sedwill seen as top pick to replace Mandelson in the US

Mark Sedwill has emerged as the frontrunner to be the UK's ambassador to the US, according to senior government figures.

- Eleni Courea Kiran Stacey

The former cabinet secretary and national security adviser is seen by ministers as the likeliest choice for the top diplomatic posting in Washington.

The Foreign Office is seeking a replacement for Peter Mandelson, who was sacked last month after Downing Street said he had not been upfront about the extent of his links with the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Several senior government figures said the role was highly likely to go to a career civil servant, rather than another political appointee, and cited Sedwill as the strongest potential candidate.

One said: “If Mark Sedwill wants it then he’s likely to get it.” Other US-based officials added that the job was “Sedwill’s to lose”.

It is understood that Sedwill is reluctant to return to the political fray and is not planning to apply for the job, although he has not ruled out taking it on.

The job has just been advertised, which suggests there could be a gap of several months before a new ambassador is appointed. James Roscoe, the deputy head of mission in Washington, is temporarily filling the role.