The founder of Jimmy Choo is among the less conventional envoys announced today

The ambassadorship of Jimmy Choo

The ambassadorship of Jimmy Choo

By politics.co.uk staff

David Cameron will today appoint a number of unconventional ambassadors for British trade – including Tamara Mellon, founder of Jimmy Choo.

Ms Mellon is one of several ‘global trade envoys’ to be announced by the prime minister, along with handbag designer Anya Hindmarch, Sir Anthony Bamford, the head of JCB and CBI boss Richard Lambert.

The business leaders will be expected to conduct official trips to boost British enterprise and conduct negotiations with foreign ministers.

Sir Anthony has been a prominent donor to the Conservative party, while Ms Hindmarch is thought to be a close friend of Samantha Cameron.

There is no suggestion that the appointees will be paid for their new diplomatic roles. They will accompany delegations on official visits as part of Mr Cameron’s drive to make Britain ‘open for business’.

The news comes as Mr Cameron is leading a large delegation to China in a bid to secure British exports in the fast-growing economy.

The prime minister’s economic agenda in the country has been overshadowed by activists’ calls to raise human rights more forcefully with the Chinese government.