Kim Darroch

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Nigel Kim Darroch, Baron Darroch of Kew, is a retired British diplomat who was the UK’s ambassador to the United States from 2016 to 2019. He also served as the National Security Adviser (2012–2015) and as the UK Permanent Representative to the European Union (2007–2012).

Early life and education
- Born 30 April 1954 in South Stanley, County Durham, England.
- Attended Abingdon School in Oxfordshire.
- Studied at Hatfield College, Durham University, earning a BSc in Zoology in 1975.
- Married Vanessa in 1978; they have two children, Simon and Georgina.

Career highlights
- Joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1976; entered the Diplomatic Service in 1980.
- Early postings included Tokyo (1980–1984) and roles related to the Channel Tunnel.
- Became head of the FCO’s press office (2000s) and later Director-General for Europe (2003).
- 2004: Head of the Cabinet Office European Secretariat, advising the Prime Minister on European affairs.
- 2007–2012: UK Permanent Representative to the European Union in Brussels.
- 2012–2015: UK National Security Adviser.
- 2016–2019: Ambassador to the United States. He began the post in January 2016 and left in December 2019.

Resignation and later work
- In July 2019, confidential cables criticizing the Trump administration were leaked, and Darroch resigned as ambassador.
- He published Collateral Damage: Britain, America and Europe in the Age of Trump (2020).
- In September 2021, he became Chair of Best for Britain, a non-partisan campaign group.

Honours and later roles
- Made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in 1997; promoted to Knight Commander (KCMG) in 2008.
- Nominated for a life peerage in 2019 and created Baron Darroch of Kew in November 2019.
- Gave his maiden speech in the House of Lords in November 2020 on the UK–Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.