Mark Carney, who holds Irish citizenship, to be Canada's next prime minister 

Mark Carney, 59, is currently chairman of Canadian alternative investment firm Brookfield Asset Management.

Mark Carney spent much of his campaign pitching himself as an outsider, despite years-long ties to the Liberal party, including serving as an economic adviser to Justin Trudeau, the outgoing prime minister. Picture: PA

Mark Carney, the former central banker who oversaw the response to financial crises in North America and Britain, will become the next prime minister of Canada after winning the race to lead the country’s federal Liberal party.

Mr Carney, 59, takes on the role as Canada is locked in a potentially catastrophic trade war with the US, long its closest ally and largest trading partner. Last week Donald Trump announced a 25% tax on all Canadian goods, with a carveout for the automotive and energy sectors. The tariffs have the power to push Canada’s fragile economy in a recession.