UK ambassador to US Kim Darroch resigns over leaked cables criticizing Trump

Kim Darroch has quit as UK ambassador to the United States, saying his job had become “impossible” after drawing US President Donald Trump's ire for criticising his administration in leaked confidential cables to London.

The top diplomat announced his resignation, hours after Boris Johnson refused to say he would stand by him if he wins the race for No 10.

“Since the leak of official documents from this embassy, there has been a great deal of speculation surrounding my position and the duration of my remaining term as ambassador,” Darroch wrote.

“I want to put an end to that speculation. The current situation is making it impossible for me to carry out my role as I would like.

“Although my posting is not due to end until the end of this year, I believe in the current circumstances the responsible course is to allow the appointment of a new ambassador.”

Prior to his resignation, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Theresa May's said that Darroch retained the government's "full support."

May told the U.K. Parliament that she had spoken with Darroch Wednesday morning, and his resignation was a matter of "deep regret."

"I told him that it is a matter of deep regret the he felt it necessary to resign his position as ambassador to Washington," she said. May also seemed to give an implicit criticism of President Trump, referring to the importance of "defending out values and principles, particularly when they are under pressure."