James Roscoe, the deputy to the British ambassador in Washington, has unexpectedly stepped down from his role.
Foreign Office officials have refused to provide any reason for why Roscoe, in their words, “left his post.” Until his sudden departure, Roscoe held one of the most senior and prominent positions in the British diplomatic service as the second-in-command at the UK Embassy in Washington.
He had also filled in for Lord Peter Mandelson for several months after Mandelson was dismissed last year.
Roscoe was considered a potential candidate to take over the top job, which ultimately went to another diplomat, Sir Christian Turner.
He played a key part in President Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK and in King Charles III’s recent visit to the United States.
The British Embassy declined to comment further on his departure, and Roscoe could not be reached for comment.
Before his posting to Washington, Roscoe served as the UK ambassador to the United Nations and previously worked as communications chief for the late Queen Elizabeth II.
He was also chief press officer at Downing Street for prime ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. His earlier diplomatic assignments included posts in the UN, Sierra Leone, and Iraq.
