Downer reflects on life in London

Alexander Downer has some advice for would-be diplomats.

Don't be seduced by the country in which you are serving and stay in touch with the politics at home.

The High Commissioner to the UK is due to head home next year, with speculation rife in Canberra he could be replaced by Attorney-General George Brandis.

Mr Downer, a former foreign minister who was appointed in June 2014, told BBC radio in a brief interview high commissioners and ambassadors must avoid a number of traps.

"Ambassadors have to remember who they represent and not get 'local-itis' - that is, be captivated by the country in which they are serving," he said.

"And you need to understand your own country.

"One of the problems with career diplomats is they spend so much time out of their own countries they run the risk of losing a real understanding and the real feel for the politics and economics of their own country."

It was also important to have an understanding of the history of a country and "why people feel as they feel".

Asked about Donald Trump's idea of Britain sending former UKIP leader Nigel Farage to Washington, Mr Downer said he didn't appear to meet the criteria.

"A country is going to send as its ambassador to any other country somebody they feel confident with and, particularly to a post like Washington, somebody who the prime minister and the foreign secretary is close to," Mr Downer said.

"He hasn't been a member of the Conservative party or isn't a career diplomat and he presents himself as an opponent of the government."

Quizzed about suggestions music legend Bruce Springsteen could become US ambassador to Britain, Mr Downer was more upbeat.

"From my point of view, just for me to be able to go to a function with 'The Boss', that would be great," he said.

"I would suggest it's very unlikely Donald Trump would appoint Bruce Springsteen - he is an implacable opponent of Donald Trump's and the Republican party."