Donald Trump to nominate New York Jets owner as US ambassador to Britain

DONALD Trump is set to nominate the owner of the New York Jets as the next US ambassador to Britain, the White House has confirmed.

Woody Johnson, 70, is a longstanding Republican donor and was a major fundraiser in the final months of Mr Trump's presidential campaign.

The businessman, who bought the American football team (NFL) in 2000, also served on his inaugural committee.

Mr Johnson will require Senate confirmation to take up the diplomatic post.

The nomination comes after Mr Trump referred to the billionaire as "ambassador" during remarks at a luncheon in January and said the NFL team owner was "going to St. James."

Once confirmed by the Senate, Mr Johnson will be the sixth businessman in a row to be appointed as ambassador to the UK – an apparent top reward for wealthy campaign donors in the US political system.