Lord Mandelson expected to be named as UK ambassador to US

Lord Peter Mandelson is anticipated to be appointed as the United Kingdom's next ambassador to the United States.

The prominent Labour figure, who held various ministerial positions under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown before becoming a life peer in the House of Lords, was regarded as one of the leading contenders for the role.

He will take over for Dame Karen Pierce, whose time in Washington DC is set to conclude in early 2025.

As one of the founding figures of New Labour, Lord Mandelson was regarded as an important consultant to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as the 2024 election approached.

In that election, he was one of the hosts for the Times' podcast, How To Win An Election. At the same time, he held positions as a trustee at the Design Museum and served as the chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University.

His name was associated with the chancellorship of the University of Oxford, where he had previously been a student, but in the end, the position was awarded to former Conservative leader Lord William Hague.

Regarding the position of the US ambassador, he stated in November, "No one has really talked to me about it."

Lord Mandelson, aged 71, shared his thoughts on the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg show, expressing that he prefers establishing a new kind of relationship with the US instead of aiming for a special one. He also mentioned that he would be quite interested in offering trade advice to anyone who is appointed to that role.

He was appointed just before Donald Trump's inauguration as President on January 20.

On his first day in office, Trump has promised to implement extensive tariffs, a move that analysts believe could result in the UK losing £22 billion.

On Thursday, Sir Keir emphasized the importance of avoiding tariffs in response to Trump's remarks, stating that he aims to enhance trade relations with Washington.

A government official stated, "The prime minister's decision to make a political appointment by sending Lord Mandelson to Washington reflects the significance we place on our relationship with the Trump administration."

"We're appointing an individual with extensive political and policy expertise, particularly in the important area of trade, who has a close relationship with the prime minister. He is perfectly suited to advocate for the UK's economic and security priorities in the United States."

The White House and Trump's campaign were informed about the appointment ahead of time.

In a November interview with the News Agents podcast, Lord Mandelson remarked that Donald Trump's presidency would significantly affect global security and economic stability.

"It’s crucial for us to build a connection with President Trump that allows us to comprehend his actions and decisions, as well as to sway them," he stated.

He also mentioned that the Labour government needs to work on rebuilding its relationship with Elon Musk, the tech billionaire and supporter of Trump, who has openly criticized Sir Keir's administration. Musk has recently taken on the role of leading a new advisory group for the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge).

Lord Mandelson represented Hartlepool as a Labour MP from 1992 to 2004. During his time in office, he held positions as both the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Secretary of State for Business under Prime Minister Tony Blair. In 2004, he left his role as an MP to take on the position of European Commissioner.

He stepped down from his ministerial role on two occasions. The first resignation was due to not disclosing a home loan he received from a fellow cabinet member, and the second was in response to claims that he had used his authority to sway a passport application.