Trump called Macron and Netanyahu ahead of Starmer as 'pathetic playground politics' leaves PM lagging behind

Starmer's call with the President-elect came two-hours later, with Trump also picking up the phone to Netanyahu before making contact with Downing Street.

Netanyahu forged a close relationship with Trump and regularly praises the Republican.

However, the so-called "special relationship" and recent row between Labour and Trump puts pressure on the Prime Minister to get ahead of other world leaders.

Theresa May had to wait more than 24-hours to hear from Trump in 2016, later rushing out to Washington after his inauguration just a few months later.

No10 has played down the significance of Starmer trailing Macron and Netanyahu, highlighting the Prime Minister's private dinner with Trump in September.

Macron confirmed his call with Trump shortly after 6pm yesterday, claiming he enjoyed a “very good exchange” with the President-elect.

• Trump's plan to end Ukraine war with 800-mile demilitarised zone as Zelensky labels concessions to Putin 'suicidal for Europe'
• FOUR key Trump grandees that hint Keir Starmer has little chance with US President-Elect
• US interest rates fall for second time as Trump ends spat with Fed boss

A spokesman for the Elysee Palace added: “The two leaders talked about Ukraine and the Middle East”.

Despite establishing a relationship after Macron's first victory in 2017, Trump once labelled the French President "very nasty" after being subject to a thinly veiled swipe over protectionism and populism.

Netanyahu's call with Trump came immediately before Macron's as the Israeli Prime Minister announced he had a conversation with the President-elect at 5.15pm.

A readout said: “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening, spoke with US President-elect Donald Trump and was among the first to call him.

“Their conversation was warm and cordial. The Prime Minister congratulated President-elect Trump on his election victory. The two agreed to work together for Israel’s security, and also discussed the Iranian threat.”

Starmer's call with Trump comes after a number of top Labour MPs were slammed over a series of unearthed comments about the next US President.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy called Trump a "neo-Nazi sympathising sociopath", while Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner labelled the 78-year-old a "buffoon".

Earlier today, Rayner separately confirmed she spoke to Vice-President-elect JD Vance.

She said: "We spoke about our plans for the future and how, working together, we build on the special relationship between our great countries."

Labour also came under fire after the Trump campaign filed a complaint when staffers descended on swing states to campaign for Harris.

However, Starmer released a photo showing him grinning on the phone while speaking to Trump shortly after the ex-President belatedly received a concession call from Harris.

In a social media update, the Prime Minister said: "Good to speak with President-elect Donald Trump to congratulate him on his historic victory."

A Downing Street spokesman added: "The Prime Minister offered his hearty congratulations and said he looked forward to working closely with president-elect Trump across all areas of the special relationship.

"From defence and security to growth and prosperity, the relationship between the UK and US was incredibly strong and would continue to thrive for many years to come, the leaders agreed.

"The Prime Minister also reflected on the situation in the Middle East and underscored the importance of regional stability.

"The leaders fondly recalled their meeting in September, and President-elect Trump’s close connections and affinity to the United Kingdom and looked forward to working with one another."

Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe appeared far from surprised about Trump speaking to Macron and Netanyahu before picking up the phone to Starmer.

"No surprise that Trump chose to speak with Macron ahead of Starmer," the Great Yarmouth MP said.

"Labour's pathetic playground politics is costing Britain dearly.

"Lammy, Rayner and the lot of them should put aside their egos and apologise to President-elect Trump. For the national interest."