Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani will not join President-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration after he takes office next month, it has emerged.

The outspoken 72-year-old had been a candidate for the top cabinet job of Secretary of State, but had come under scrutiny in the US media over business dealings that could pose conflicts of interest.

On Friday, Mr Trump's team announced that Mr Giuliani had removed his named from consideration during a meeting on 29 November.

Trump made Person of the Year by Time magazine

In a statement, he said: "Rudy would have been an outstanding member of the cabinet in several roles, but I fully respect and understand his reasons for remaining in the private sector.

"He is and continues to be a close personal friend, and as appropriate, I will call upon him for advice and can see an important place for him in the administration at a later date."


CNN reported on Friday, citing an unnamed source, that Mr Giuliani had been told he was no longer in contention for the top US diplomatic post.

'Mad Dog' Mattis: Trump's military man in quotes

Reince Priebus, Mr Trump's pick for White House chief of staff, said in a statement that Mr Giuliani "was vetted by our team for any possible conflicts and passed with flying colours".

Mr Giuliani, a formal federal prosecutor, made his name in New York amid the September 11 attacks, during which he earned the moniker "America's Mayor".

After Mr Trump's shock election victory last month, he made no secret his desire to be the next Secretary of State, but said on Friday he was looking forward to continuing to work in his law and consulting firms.

In a statement, he added: "This is not about me; it is about what is best for the country and the new administration.

Trumps controversial appointments

"From the vantage point of the private sector, I look forward to helping the president-elect in any way he deems necessary and appropriate."

The former mayor will remain a vice chairman of the presidential transition team, which is chaired by Vice President-elect Mike Pence.

Other contenders for the top diplomatic post include 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and Exxon Mobil Corp chief executive Rex Tillerson.