Personal attributes

• Calm under pressure, capable of out of the box thinking, very knowledgable when it comes to the world of politics, a risk taker, passionate beneath the surface, a good leader, he holds his nerve.
• Doesn't rely on the naïve assumption there is a special friendship between the UK and the US. He knows that the British only have clout when they have something to offer.
• Often tells new appointees to the Embassy - the Americans may use the same words but they speak a different language.
• A good speaker and socially very adept. He's first on the guest list for prestigious events.
• The fact that he is unmarried, unusual for the UK Ambassador in Washington, has fuelled the rumour mills. He often has to fight off the attention of wealthy divorcees.

History

• A career diplomat, who has served extensively in the Middle East. Special envoy to the Central Asian Republic of Tyrgyztan in the 1990s. Former foreign adviser to the Prime Minister, now rewarded with the plum job in the British diplomatic service.