Nigel Farage, the interim leader of the UK Independence Party, is expected to meet with Donald Trump for the first time since he was elected president.

Mr Farage, who campaigned at Mr Trump’s election rallies, also made clear that he was keen to help the British Government forge links with the US-president elect, despite being described as an “irrelevance” by Downing Street.

The Daily Telegraph disclosed on Friday how Liam Fox, the international trade secretary, was planning to contact Mr Farage for advice on who to approach in Mr Trump’s inner circle.

However, within hours of the story appearing, Number 10 said Dr Fox – who is seeking a meeting with Mr Trump’s team within weeks - would not be contacting Mr Farage.