Why has the United Kingdom nominated Liam Fox for a job he’s never going to get?

The real prize may be the friends he makes along the way.

Britain's former International Trade minister Liam Fox arrives in Downing Street in central London on September 2, 2019. - Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson prepared on September 2 for a showdown with MPs opposed to a no-deal Brexit when Parliament returns on September 3. Johnson stoked controversy and protests August 31 across Britain after announcing August 28 he had instructed Queen Elizabeth II to suspend parliament in the final weeks before Brexit. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP) (Photo credit should read BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

The most interesting thing about the UK putting forward Liam Fox for director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is that the British government has made a nomination at all.

The post’s holder will be decided by all 164 member states reaching consensus. Candidates have until 7 September to campaign and lobby members, who will then decide via consultations on a consensus choice – which isn’t to say that the eventual nominee won’t provoke bitterness among some WTO members.