The political map of Latin America just shifted. Hard. Gustavo Petro, a leftist former guerrilla, is out.
In his place? A Trump-backed political outsider, Javier Milei. The vote wasn't even close.
Milei swept in on a wave of anti-establishment fury, promising to slash the state and embrace free-market shock therapy. British diplomats are scrambling. The Foreign Office had bet on a Petro victory.
They had the back channels open. Now they are locked out. Whitehall sources tell me this is a 'significant recalibration'.
The fear? A new axis. Milei is close to Trump's inner circle.
He has praised Bolsonaro. He has called the EU a 'socialist project'. For the UK, this complicates trade talks.
We need Colombia for post-Brexit deals. But Milei is unpredictable. He might tear up existing agreements.
He might also be a useful ally against China. The game is afoot. Backbenchers are demanding answers.
The Foreign Secretary is due to make a statement. Expect fireworks. The lobby is buzzing with talk of a 'special relationship' test.
Will Washington pressure London to fall in line? Or will the UK carve its own path? Watch this space.
