Boris and Donald can try building US-UK's 'special relationship'

THE UK government is considering fast-tracking a replacement for Ambassador to Washington Kim Darroch, who resigned following Donald Trump's extraordinary war of words against him and outgoing prime minister Theresa May. While it is widely assumed that a change of PM can rejuvenate the so-called special relationship - especially with Mr Trump's kindred spirit Boris Johnson widely expected to take over - this may not be so easy, given the US president's erratic nature, and key differences between the two sides over their post-Brexit relationship.

The row, which has also seen a post-Brexit trade deal negotiation meeting postponed between US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and UK Trade Secretary Liam Fox, comes at a very tricky time for London in at least two respects.

Firstly, the transition of power now underway, with Mrs May now a "lame duck" prime minister, makes it harder for the two sides to rebuild bridges quickly.