‘Govt by satire:’ Botham, Donaldson and Hoey installed as trade envoys – costly reactions

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has appointed ten new trade envoys with the intention of boosting British business in new global markets such as Australia, Brazil and Canada.

They have taken on greater significance since the UK left the European Union, and the new appointees include former pro-Brexit Labour MP Kate Hoey and former English cricketer Ian Botham.

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson was also appointed as UK trade envoy to Cameroon.

Truss

These three appointments left many questioning the decision and what skills they can bring to the role.

In announcing the new appointees, international trade secretary Liz Truss said: “Our Trade Envoys play a key role in delivering our ambitious global trade agenda, and I am delighted the Prime Minister has appointed ten Trade Envoys who will boost opportunities for British businesses in some of the world’s fastest growing markets.

“By boosting exports, promoting inward investment and creating high-value, high-paying jobs, our Trade Envoys will help us build back better from Covid, ensuring every part of the UK benefits from our trade strategy.”

Here is the full list of new appointments:

Lord Ian Botham appointed to Australia
Baroness Kate Hoey appointed to Ghana
Stephen Timms MP appointed to Switzerland and Liechtenstein
David Mundell MP appointed to New Zealand
Mark Eastwood MP appointed to Pakistan
Marco Longhi MP appointed to Brazil
Conor Burns MP appointed to Canada
Lord Walney (John Woodcock) appointed to Tanzania
Felicity Buchan MP appointed to Iceland and Norway
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP appointed to Cameroon, in addition to his role as Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Egypt.