It would be "downright humiliating" for the UK if former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott is given a post-Brexit trade role, Labour's Emily Thornberry has said.
The board is among 11 groups that the UK's Department for International Trade has set up to cover a range of areas, such as investment, life sciences and financial services, to help advise on negotiations.
Mr Abbott only served as leader in Australia for two years before he was ousted by rivals inside Australia's right-wing Liberal party.
The social conservative lost his Sydney seat of Warringah to an independent candidate after losing votes from Sydney’s Northern Beaches last year.
Whitehall officials have downplayed reports Mr Abbott has been tipped for the role as they said no decisions have been made yet about the Board of Trade.
Ms Thornberry, Labour's Shadow International Trade Secretary, said she found his appointment "absolutely staggering".
She told Politico: “On a personal level, I am disgusted that Boris Johnson thinks this offensive, leering, cantankerous, climate change-denying, Trump-worshipping misogynist is the right person to represent our country overseas.
“He was ousted by his own colleagues after two years in power, and kicked out of Australian politics by his own constituents just last year.
"They are the people who know him best, and they wanted rid of him – yet here we are, hiring him to negotiate our trade deals around the world. If it wasn’t so downright humiliating, it would be almost hilarious.”
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When asked about reports of Mr Abbott's new role, the current Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison told the ABC network on Wednesday. “I think that’s a good hire. Well done Boris [Johnson] – good hire.”
The launch of the new advisory groups comes as ministers seek to step up talks with countries including Japan, the US, Australia and New Zealand.
Negotiators hope that the advice will help them to secure new market access on products like ceramics, cars, steel and beef, as well as agreeing cutting-edge digital trade rules.
International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said that the Government wants to strike deals benefiting “every part” of the UK.
“This is about bringing business closer to the negotiating table and using their expertise to help secure the best possible deals that deliver jobs and growth across Britain,” she said.
“Talks with Japan, the US, Australia and New Zealand are entering their crucial latter stages, so it is only right that we step up engagement with vital industries to utilise their technical and strategic expertise.
“I want business in Britain to feel engaged and informed about the work we’re doing to build an independent trade policy and how it impacts them.
“As we recover from coronavirus we want to strike deals that benefit every part of the country so we can build back better and deliver a fairer country for all.”