Fox in running for top trade role

FORMER international trade secretary Liam Fox will be nominated by the Government as a candidate to lead the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

A senior Government source confirmed that Dr Fox, the Conservative MP for North Somerset, has been put forward by the UK to be the WTO’s new director general.

Dr Fox has held ministerial roles under John Major, David Cameron and Theresa May, latterly serving as international trade secretary during the Brexit negotiations.

He was an ardent supporter of the UK’s exit from the EU.

The WTO is seeking a new director general after Roberto Azevedo announced he will step down next month.

Speaking on the subject, BBC political correspondent Nick Eardley said: “Despite being a Brexiteer who wants to see the UK embrace what he sees as the opportunity of signing new trade deals from next year, Liam Fox was sacked immediately by Boris Johnson when he became PM.

“But it now seems the PM thinks

Mr Fox could be the man to fight for his vision of global free trade.

“Mr Fox’s supporters have spoken of the need for a ‘political leader’ at the WTO – and point to his connections with many influential Republicans in Washington.

“He’s not the frontrunner. Many countries are expecting an African leader of the organisation, with the favourite from Nigeria at the moment.”

Six countries so far have confirmed they will put forward a nominee. Bookmakers yesterday listed Mr Fox as a 33-1 outsider.