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Woody Johnson: Donald Trump nominates billionaire owner of US football team New York Jets as UK ambassador

Donald Trump has confirmed he will nominate the billionaire owner of the New York Jets American football team as the US ambassador to Britain.

The White House announced the move to appoint 70-year-old tycoon Woody Johnson on Thursday, with the appointment now needing Senate approval.

A long-time Republican donor, Mr Johnson will act as the US President's representative in the UK and carry out diplomatic visits.

Mr Trump had tipped Mr Johnson for the job when he said the businessman was "going to St James's" during a luncheon in January.

Donald Trump announced in January his intention to nominate the tycoon (AP)
Donald Trump announced in January his intention to nominate the tycoon (AP)

At the time Mr Johnson's appointment was welcomed as a "stylish" choice for the US's top diplomat in London, also known as ambassador to the Court of St James's.

Mr Johnson, 70, helped raise money for Mr Trump's presidential campaign and donated funds to help pay for his inauguration.

The billionaire businessman and philanthropist from the Johnson and Johnson family is chairman and chief executive of the Jets, although will hand over to his brother, Christopher, should the nomination be approved.

The team's president, Neil Glat, said: "On behalf of the entire organisation, we would be extremely proud to see Woody nominated and confirmed as US ambassador. We could not be more excited for him and his family."

The nomination has to be approved by the US Senate, which will also decide on Mr Trump's choice of ambassador to Belgium, Jamie McCourt.

Ms McCourt was co-owner and chief executive of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team until 2009.