THE former Meon Valley MP Sir George Hollingbery has been appointed the British ambassador to Cuba.

He was MP for Meon Valley from 2010 to 2019 and served as trade minister and parliamentary private secretary to Prime Minister Theresa May.

Sir George, 57, who lives in Old Alresford, was previously a city councillor and a deputy leader of the council and chairman of Alresford Town Council.

His appointment comes as a surprise as he has no diplomatic experience and has been criticised by trade unions.

The Guardian reported Dave Penman, of the FDA union, representing Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) staff, claimed the appointment was evidence of cronyism.

“Sir George Hollingbery’s appointment, with little obvious relevant expertise and no competition, once again suggests that to this government, who you know is more important than what you know."

An FCDO spokesperson said: “Sir George has a wealth of international and government experience that he will bring to this role, including from his time as trade minister. It is not unusual to make political appointments in the diplomatic service.”

Sir George said: "I feel so lucky to be given an opportunity like this. It’s really exciting and both Janette and I are looking forward to it enormously.

"Of course my appointment has created comment in some quarters but I approach this wholly recognising the challenges that await. My years in No 10 were essentially all about diplomacy, albeit in a domestic context. And my role as a minister at the Department for International Trade took me all over the world negotiating with and creating relationships with foreign governments.

"I shouldn’t forget the scars I bear from the rough and tumble of Alresford Town Council either!” he added.