UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has recruited right-wing former Australian PM, Tony Abbott, to help lead the post-Brexit global trade mission.
Abbott has been criticised for his hardline anti-immigration policy, which stopped refugees from reaching Australia by boat while others were detained in camps on distant islands.
Abbott's involvement in the Brexit trade planning has been widely criticised, including by Shadow International Trade Secretary, Emily Thornberry, who said, "On a personal lvel , it is shameful that Boris Johnson thinks this offensive, aggressive, leering, gaffe-prine misogynist is the right person to represent our country overseas."
Abbott was ousted by his party after two years in power. His record on environmental policies has also attracted criticism as he has questioned climate change and said the world was "in the grip of a climate cult."
He has been vocally supportive of Brexit. The appointment has not yet been made official, but Trade Secretary Liz Truss said that they were "delighted to have him."
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