The Prime Minister had backed Jamaican foreign minister Kamina Johnson Smith to replace the Labour peer as secretary-general.
24 June 2022
Boris Johnson has been dealt a fresh blow after Commonwealth leaders rejected his bid to oust secretary-general Baroness Scotland.
The Prime Minister had backed Jamaican foreign minister Kamina Johnson Smith to replace the Labour peer in the role as the public face of the 54-nation body.
But allies rejected Mr Johnson’s move and re-elected Baroness Scotland for a second term during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) on Friday.
Thanking all the countries and people who supported me in this journey! As I said to many of you- if I didn’t pull through, God wasn’t ready for me to leave Jamaica yet! Much love always, I continue to serve, and of course, sincere congratulations to Baroness Scotland. #OneLove pic.twitter.com/yeVm2jlQUZ
— Hon. Kamina J Smith (@kaminajsmith) June 24, 2022
UK officials, who had been privately critical of Baroness Scotland, had been confident Ms Johnson Smith would succeed.
Mr Johnson had said his choice would have the “vast experience and support to unite our unique family of nations and seize the opportunities ahead”.
Ms Johnson Smith accepted her defeat, tweeting: “Much love always, I continue to serve, and of course, sincere congratulations to Baroness Scotland.”
