Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott is said to be poised to advise the UK government on post-Brexit trade.
Multiple reports indicate that Abbott, a friend of Boris Johnson's Conservatives, will join the UK Board of Trade.
A former colleague of Abbott in the Australian Parliament said his appointment was being "viewed with bemusement.".
Politicians in the UK and Australia have reacted with confusion and dismay to reports that Prime Minister Boris Johnson has appointed Tony Abbott to advise Britain on its post-Brexit trade arrangements.
The Australian journalist Bevan Shields reported that Abbott would be an adviser, not copresident.
Abbott is a vocal supporter of Britain's decision to leave the European Union, having originally advised Brits to vote Remain.
Economists, however, have lambasted Abbott for downplaying the economic risk on of a no-deal Brexit to the UK. »