US election: British minister risks row with call for ‘smooth transfer of power’

Downing Street denies Robert Buckland was taking sides in tense presidential contest

A UK cabinet minister has urged President Donald Trump to allow a “smooth transition” of power if he has lost the US election.

As tension mounted in the US over the tight-fought battle between Mr Trump and Democrat challenger Joe Biden, justice secretary Robert Buckland said he hoped that “the transfer of power, the change to a new administration can be as smooth as possible”.

His comments risked provoking a diplomatic row, at a time when the final result in the presidential election has not been declared and Mr Trump is taking legal action over his unevidenced allegations of fraud.

Downing Street has so far been scrupulous in observing the convention that it does not express opinions on the outcome of elections abroad.

Speaking to Sky News, Mr Buckland said: “The important thing from our point of view is that we want the major democracy in the world to have a smooth transition.

“Whether it's a change of president or whether it's the same president, we wish them well and look on with huge interest and support for a democratic process and a constitution that of course has seen tensions in the past.”

Mr Buckland added: “We very much hope all these issues can be resolved and that the transfer of power, the change to a new administration can be as smooth as possible.”

Both Boris Johnson and foreign secretary Dominic Raab refused on Wednesday to comment on Mr Trump’s claims of fraud in the presidential voting process.

And Mr Buckland said: “There is a tried and tested constitutional process in the United States. We have faith in it and I believe that that will serve the American people well.

“I think the best approach is the one that I gather is being taken, which is if there is a concern then to look at it legally and to mount a legal challenge if appropriate and let the courts decide if that process is not clear or not resolved.

“That's what certainly has worked in the past, and I see no reason why on this occasion due process should not prevail.”

Asked whether he was concerned about Mr Trump making allegations of this kind, Mr Buckland said: “I think any allegations about the voting process are concerning, but as I say there is a legal route that can be taken – and I understand it is being taken – and if that is the case then the courts will have to decide on any issues and we hope that any result will be swift and soon, not just for the interests of the American people but the wider world too.”

Downing Street denied that the justice secretary was taking sides in the US election.

Mr Johnson’s official spokesman said: “If you look at the quote, he was very clear that what we want is for the process to go smoothly, whichever candidate wins.”