Downing Street remains cautiously optimistic that Lord Mandelson will secure approval as Britain’s next ambassador to Washington, despite reports that the incoming Donald Trump administration has raised questions over his “political baggage”.
Mandelson, a former Labour cabinet minister and European trade commissioner, is awaiting the final sign-off for the prestigious post. Dame Karen Pierce, the current UK ambassador, will continue to represent the government at President Trump’s inauguration while the US team makes its decision.
A leading figure in Republicans Overseas, Greg Swenson, acknowledged concern about Mandelson’s affiliations and past disagreements with the Republican Party. He pointed to an existing “political difference” between Labour in the UK and the resurgent Republicans in the US, but he expects both sides to work together once the appointment is confirmed.
Downing Street’s choice of Mandelson has been questioned by some within Trump’s inner circle, with critics citing his ties to China. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, suggested that Keir Starmer was “getting off to the worst possible start” with the Trump administration by tapping such a high-profile New Labour figure.
However, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Darren Jones and others at No 10 have rallied behind Mandelson, praising him as a “world-recognised senior statesman”. The peer has sought to temper past criticisms of President Trump—he once branded him “reckless”—by recently highlighting the president’s “straight talking and deal-making instincts” in a Fox News article.
Political insiders note that a final decision on any ambassadorial appointment rests with the White House. Yet there is confidence in Westminster that London and Washington share a strategic and economic imperative to maintain a strong relationship, meaning Mandelson’s extensive experience in global trade could prove valuable in navigating the next phase of UK-US ties.
