JEREMY Hunt has hit back at Donald Trump, accusing him of being “disrespectful and wrong” to the UK after the US President fired off more condemnatory tweets about Theresa May and Britain’s ambassador to America.

Mr Trump branded the Prime Minister “foolish”, denouncing her handling of Brexit as a “disaster” while he again lashed out at Sir Kim Darroch, dismissing him as a “very stupid guy” and “pompous fool”.

The President made his latest remarks after the UK Government sought to draw a diplomatic veil over a deeply embarrassing episode in the transatlantic Special Relationship.

But Mr Trump hit out again, tweeting: “The wacky Ambassador that the UK foisted upon the United States is not someone we are thrilled with, a very stupid guy. He should speak to his country, and Prime Minister May, about their failed Brexit negotiation, and not be upset with my criticism of how badly it was handled.

“I told @theresamay how to do that deal, but she went her own foolish way, was unable to get it done. A disaster! I don’t know the Ambassador but have been told he is a pompous fool.

“Tell him the USA now has the best Economy & Military anywhere in the World, by far and they are both only getting bigger, better and stronger.....Thank you, Mr. President!”

Following the President latest broadside, No 10 again stressed how Mrs May was supporting the ambassador.

The PM's spokesman said: "In relation to Sir Kim, the Prime Minister's view is that he is a highly respected and dutiful public servant and he has the full confidence of the PM."

But Mr Hunt took to social media to reprimand Mr Trump, tweeting: “@realDonaldTrump friends speak frankly so I will: these comments are disrespectful and wrong to our Prime Minister and my country. Your diplomats give their private opinions to @SecPompeo and so do ours! You said the UK/US alliance was the greatest in history and I agree.

“But allies need to treat each other with respect as @theresamay has always done with you. Ambassadors are appointed by the UK Government and if I become PM our Ambassador stays.”

Earlier on the Tory leadership campaign trail Boris Johnson said on the matter: "I have got a good relationship with the White House and I have no embarrassment in saying that.

"It's very important that we have a strong relationship with our most important ally. The United States is, has been, will be and for the foreseeable future our number one political military friend."

Asked whether the President was right to criticise Mrs May and the way Brexit talks had been handled, Mr Johnson replied: "Myself, I have said some pretty critical things about the Brexit negotiations so far and that's one of the reasons I am standing tonight and one of the reasons I am putting myself forward.”

It emerged that Sir Kim was not, as planned, set to attend a meeting between Ivanka Trump and Liam Fox, the International Trade Secretary, in Washington. It is believed the ambassador took the decision himself as he did not want to embarrass the President’s daughter.

Mrs May’s spokesman said: "He isn't attending that meeting but he is supporting Liam Fox in other ways on his trip."

Earlier, Nicola Sturgeon took to Twitter to express her surprise at Mr Trump's tweets. The First Minister said: "Extraordinary stuff. And huge litmus test for next PM - will he stand up for the ability of diplomats to do their jobs or give in to this kind of behaviour by the US President?"

Tom Watson, the Labour deputy leader, also tweeted: "Tonight the candidates to be PM must speak FOR the nation, not TO a clique of the Tory electorate, in condemning without equivocation this bullying of our country. If they won't, they prove themselves utterly unfit to hold the greatest office of state."

On Wednesday, Sir Simon McDonald, the head of Britain's diplomatic service, will appear before MPs on the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee.