DONALD Trump was slammed by a senior Tory for intervening in the party’s leadership battle and backing Boris Johnson.
The US leader expressed his support for BoJo as the next PM – and revealed candidates wanted his support to the dismay of a Michael Gove ally.
Commons leader Mel Stride said: “The president of the United States of course is entitled to his opinion, but it’s not the case of him picking the next prime minister of our country.
“That process as you know will be one involving the parliamentary party and then the membership itself.”
Mr Trump said he thought Boris would do a “very good job” describing how he would be “excellent” in Downing Street.
The President has some scheduled “executive time” on the trip on Tuesday where he could meet Boris Johnson and Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage.
Several leadership contenders are set to meet Trump on his three-day state visit that starts Monday.
Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt will greet him on the tarmac when he touches down in the UK.
Hunt, Gove and Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt will attend the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace.
Hunt will also meet Jared Kushner, the President’s son-in-law, for talks focusing on the Middle East.
Mordaunt will also meet Trump’s daughter Ivanka is set to discuss discuss economic empowerment for women.
Leadership teams distanced themselves from Trump’s claims they asked for an endorsement for their campaign.
