Sir Kim Darroch takes seat in Lords after resigning as UK ambassador to Washington

Former UK ambassador to the US Sir Kim Darroch has taken his seat in the House of Lords.

Sir Kim resigned from his post in Washington last July, saying his position had become "impossible" following the leak of diplomatic cables in which he labelled Donald Trump's administration as "inept" and "dysfunctional".

But Sir Kim, whom Mr Trump called a "very stupid guy", is taking the title Lord Darroch of Kew, and will sit as an independent cross-bencher in the Upper Chamber.

The 65-year-old was joined by supporters Lord Ricketts and Lord Geidt as he swore the oath of allegiance to the Queen in the short introduction ceremony.

Boris Johnson, who was running in the Tory leadership race at the time of the fallout with the US, faced criticism for failing to support him.

The government announced recently it had started looking to recruit for the top diplomatic job.

There has been some speculation that the Prime Minister could make a political appointment - but only existing civil servants can apply.

Joining him in the House of Lords was Lord Reed of Allermuir, who replaced Lady Hale as the president of the UK's Supreme Court following her retirement.

The 63-year-old, was previously deputy president of the Supreme Court and has been one of its 12 justices since 2012.

Lord Reed was flanked by supporters Lord Judge and Lord Ricketts when he swore the oath of allegiance to the Queen.

He will not take his seat in the upper chamber due to his role in the Supreme Court.