Peter Mandelson to be named UK ambassador to the US

Peter Mandelson is expected to shortly be named the next UK ambassador to Washington. The announcement — broken by the Times of London — comes ahead of the inauguration of Donald Trump on January 20. A British government source is quoted as telling the BBC: “The fact the prime minister has chosen to make a political appointment and sent Lord Mandelson to Washington shows just how importantly we see our relationship with the Trump administration.” They cited the former business secretary’s “unrivaled political and policy experience” and claimed he was “the ideal candidate to represent the UK’s economic and security interests.” A formidable networker, Mandelson is regarded as a close ally of Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney.

What to make of this imminent new appointment? It’s worth noting that even sworn Labour opponents have praised Mandelson’s political skills. Nigel Farage, a friend of President Trump, told The Spectator in October “even though there isn’t much they [Trump and Mandelson] would agree on, he [Mandelson] is actually really rather clever.” His friends meanwhile praise his charm, wit and personal charisma. For a man who created a hegemonic democratic force — New Labour — there is a certain irony to Mandelson’s career that he has always seemed to succeed best in the smoke-filled rooms, away from the public. He was widely hailed as a successful EU commissioner in Brussels. With trade likely to be the definitive issue in the US-UK relationship over the next four years, Mandelson’s experience here will be invaluable in navigating the pitfalls of tariffs.

However, Mandelson’s appointment is not without risks too. He is a committed Sinophile: the only Labour peer to vote against the Uighur genocide amendment — against his own party’s three-line whip. Already China hawks are asking questions about potential intelligence-sharing ramifications. 

How will that gel with a resolutely Sinoskeptic Trump administration? He has, too, a track record of finding himself on the wrong side of press headlines. In government, he was forced to resign twice from the cabinet; most recently his business links to China have come under scrutiny. His consultancy, Global Counsel, advised the Chinese fast-fashion company Shein until earlier this year. Shein’s potential listing on the London Stock Exchange is an ongoing headache for the government. “With Peter, you never know which hat he’s wearing,” said one minister earlier this year.

With Labour desperate to build relations with the incoming Trump team, the appointment of the new US ambassador is one of Starmer’s best cards that he is able to play. In Mandelson, he has gone for a political veteran rich in experience – but burdened by a fair amount of baggage too.