After Keir Starmer they were the two most important players in the tricky but essential task of maintaining good relations with one of the most unpredictable US administrations in history.

But now in the space of just seven days both have gone. David Lammy – who had spent years building contacts and forged a close relationship with America’s Vice President JD Vance – is out as foreign secretary – reshuffled to look after Justice .

And Lord Mandelson – the British ambassador to Washington who charmed Trump and his inner circle and is credited with the progress towards tech deals expected to be announced this week – has been unceremoniously sacked after new details of his friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein emerged. New Feature

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