Britain's ambassador to the United States has broken his silence to hail Donald Trump's "historic and impressive" election victory, amid mounting pressure from Nigel Farage.

Sir Kim Darroch found himself at the centre of a diplomatic row last month after the president-elect said on Twitter that “many people” would like to see Mr Farage as the UK ambassador to the US and said he would do a “great job”.

Downing Street dismissed the suggestion and insisted that it is for Britain to decide who serves as its ambassador.