Talk of job for Nigel Farage shows there is a new reality
Tamara Cohen looks at whether Theresa May could or should give Nigel Farage a role in strengthening links with the US.
Monday 14 November 2016 13:03, UK
Against the blazing gold backdrop of Trump Tower, the beaming President-elect welcomes his first British visitor, Nigel Farage. It's an image that sums up the political shockwaves of 2016.
UKIP's interim leader was given a - who has called himself "Mr Brexit". Meanwhile, over at Number 10 they were only ninth in the queue for a phone call.
The photo opportunity has driven calls from a few Conservatives that Britain, seeking friends and trade deals outside the EU, should make use of Mr Farage to build bridges with the new administration.
Former defence minister Sir Gerald Howarth told newspapers: "Farage clearly struck a chord with Trump and Trump struck a chord with him. I just do not think in the current climate you should forego any opportunity - if Farage can access parts that we can't reach then fine."
Tory peer and former trade envoy Lord Marland remarked that "any manufacturer would use its best salesman to try and get a market for them" and if Number 10 decides that is Mr Farage "then so be it".
Is it going to happen?
Downing Street are adamant that he won't have a role, and it's hard to see what they would gain from such a move.
Mrs May has now spoken to the President-elect, who assured her the relationship was still "very, very special" and even invoked the Thatcher-Reagan days to make his point.
The stakes to win a trade deal with the US are high.
Those suggesting we may as well engage with the UKIP MEP want to throw everything at ensuring Britain is not at the back of the queue.
But any role for Mr Farage would cause havoc in the Conservative party - and more widely.
Tory MP Stephen Phillips has already resigned, triggering a by-election, because he thought the Tories were becoming "UKIP-lite".
Mr Farage is seen as toxic not just among the party's Remainers, but those who wanted to distance their Vote Leave campaign from his outfit.
And any role for the ex-UKIP leader would go down like a lead balloon in Brussels - where Britain needs to make alliances.
One senior Leaver told me: "On professional or political grounds, it would convey weakness straight out of the gate (to work with him). In fact, fundamentally Theresa May has played this right.
"She's not trying to be Donald Trump's best buddy, she's not his political soulmate, Nigel can play that role if he wants.
"We want our relationship with the US to be quiet, steady and grow over time."
Brexiteer Dominic Raab told Sky News: "Nigel is taking a curtain call, he may be looking for a new role, but I certainly don't believe we should be contracting our foreign policy out to him."
Just to be discussing that possibility is a sign of the new reality.
For Mr Farage, it's a photo which puts two fingers up to critics who say he and UKIP no longer have a role following the referendum.
For a man who isn't even an MP and whose party is in disarray, that's a coup in itself.