David Brat bound for Australia as diplomat confirmed as next US ambassador

Former Republican state congressman, who once argued Christianity and capitalism should merge, confirmed by US Senate to fill long-vacant role

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Former Virginia congressman David Brat has been confirmed by the US Senate to be the next US ambassador to Australia, after the role had been left vacant for 18 months.

Brat's confirmation was among more than 70 votes pushed through the Senate by Republicans on Friday, Washington time, before the summer recess.