Stop abusing Nigel Farage, Michael Gove says

Mr Farage said he has heard 'lots of voices in business in the United Kingdom saying it would make sense' if he became US ambassador

Michael Gove has defended Nigel Farage, saying he should be "respected and not abused".

On Thursday, Mr Farage told CNN he had been hearing "lots of voices in business in the United Kingdom saying it would make sense" if he became ambassador to the United States.

Last week, President-elect Donald Trump tweeted to say: "Many people would like to see Nigel Farage represent Great Britain as their Ambassador to the United States. He would do a great job!"

Mr Gove said the UK's current ambassador should keep his job, but said "we should not be abusing" the interim Ukip leader.

He told The Andrew Marr Show: "I certainly think we should not be abusing Nigel Farage, but I think that the current ambassador in the United States, Kim Darroch — whom I worked with when he was in a different role in government — is a fantastic guy, great diplomat.

He added: "We should have professionals doing their job. But certainly, Nigel Farage, four million people voted for him at the last general election.

"He's someone who, even though I may disagree with him on some issues, should be respected and not abused."

Responding to questions following Mr Trump's tweet, a Downing Street spokesperson said: "There is no vacancy.

"We already have an excellent ambassador to the US."