Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what political appointments have been made to roles within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office since July 2000; and what the role and remuneration is for each appointee.

Since July 2000, the following individuals with political backgrounds have been appointed to ambassadorial or high commissioner roles:

Alastair Goodlad, High Commissioner to Australia (2000-2005);

Helen Liddell, High Commissioner to Australia (2005-2009);

Paul Boateng, High Commissioner to South Africa (2005-2009);

Baroness Amos, High Commissioner to Australia (2009-2010);

Edward Llewellyn, Ambassador to France (2016-2021);

Sir George Hollingbery, Ambassador to Cuba ( 2021 - 2025);

Sir Edward Llewellyn, Ambassador to Italy and San Marino (2022 - 2026); and

Lord Mandelson, Ambassador to the United States of America (2025).

Ambassadors and High Commissioners are appointed by His Majesty on the recommendation of the Foreign Secretary under the Royal Prerogative. Most are career members of the Diplomatic Service, although appointments may also be made from outside the Diplomatic Service.

Information relating to the remuneration of individual appointees is personal information and is not routinely disclosed.