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New York Jets owner Woody Johnson 'named UK ambassador' | New York Jets owner Woody Johnson 'named UK ambassador' |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Donald Trump appears to have named New York Jets owner Woody Johnson as the next US ambassador to the UK. | Donald Trump appears to have named New York Jets owner Woody Johnson as the next US ambassador to the UK. |
Speaking at a Washington luncheon, the President-elect introduced a guest as "sitting next to the ambassador Woody Johnson, going to Saint James." | |
The role's official title is Ambassador of the United States to the Court of St James's, named after the royal court for the sovereign of the UK. | |
"Congratulations, Woody," Mr Trump added. | "Congratulations, Woody," Mr Trump added. |
Chairman of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee Crispin Blunt said: "I have no doubt he will be able to carry out the duties of ambassador to the Court of St James's with considerable style." | |
While Mr Johnson's appointment has not been formally announced, the 69-year-old billionaire has long been considered a favourite for the job. | |
The businessman and philanthropist from the Johnson & Johnson family has known Mr Trump for years, although he originally backed his rival Jeb Bush in the Republican presidential primary. | |
Mr Johnson later pledged his support to the real-estate mogul when it became clear he would be the party's nominee. | Mr Johnson later pledged his support to the real-estate mogul when it became clear he would be the party's nominee. |
He went on to become a major fundraiser in the last month's of Mr Trump's presidential campaign, and was appointed finance chair of his inaugural committee in November. | |
Mr Johnson, who has owned the NFL team since 2000, will likely relinquish operational control of the club, with a source telling NFL.com it would not be “practical” otherwise. | |
The appointment will see the sporting tycoon take up residence in Winfield House, a palatial mansion set on 12 acres in London’s Regent’s Park. | |
Visiting US Presidents also regularly stay at the residence. | |
The position is considered to be the most prestigious in the US foreign service owing to the "special relationship" shared between the two countries. | |
Mr Johnson is not be the first American football team owner to be appointed US ambassador. | |
Pittsburgh Steelers' Dan Rooner was ambassador to Ireland between 2009 and 2012. |
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