Boris Johnson has appointed Liz Truss to monitor Brexit talks following the resignation of Lord David Frost, which experts say will give a significant boost to her leadership ambitions, writes the British newspaper The Times
The enhanced role of the Foreign Minister as the UK's lead negotiator is seen by the British Prime Minister's associates as a "major consolidation of power". She was appointed after Frost left amid concerns about the "guidelines" of the Johnson government.
Trass voted to stay in the EU, but has since become a Brexit enthusiast, repeatedly saying Britain should become less dependent on EU trade. In her previous role as Minister of International Trade and Foreign Minister, she stressed that none of the fastest growing economies in the world is in Europe.
Brexit supporter Chris Heaton-Harris has been elected Europe's minister and will be Truss's deputy when she is not available for talks.
One of her aides said: "It just brings her back to the center, consolidates her strength. This is a great gain for her. Her point would be that this is a big world, don't limit yourself to the EU. But she also sees opportunities and does not want hostile relations with the EU.
However, others in the government believe Truss has been given a "cup of poison" that could eventually end her leadership ambitions.
The move will be seen by Europe as a signal of new pragmatism, with professional Foreign Ministry diplomats at the forefront of the talks, especially Lindsay Croisdale-Appleby, Britain's ambassador to the EU.
A European diplomat said: "Overall, it seems positive that Brexit is becoming part of a wider foreign policy and has been taken out of Downing Street.
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