The European Union's executive has launched legal action against the UK for failing to abide by the law and name a representative for the new European Commission.

Under EU rules, all member states should appoint one commissioner, including Britain, which is due to leave the EU by the end of January, but until then remains a full member of the 28-country bloc.

The UK is not expected to nominate a representative at least until a new government is formed after general elections on December 12.

A British government spokesperson told Reuters: "We have written to the EU to confirm that pre-election guidance states the UK should not normally make nominations for international appointments during this period." 

But the Commission, which is due to take over from 1 December, gave London until 22 November to respond.

The process of forming the new Commission, which will be headed by the German Ursula von der Leyen, has also been delayed by EU lawmakers, who rejected the candidates from France, Hungary and Romania. 

The new snag caused by Britain's refusal to name a commissioner could be overcome with a decision by EU states not to apply current rules, but risks of legal challenges remain.