Downing Street remains cautiously optimistic that Lord Mandelson will win approval as Britain’s next ambassador to Washington, despite reports that Donald Trump’s new administration has raised questions about his “political baggage”.
Mandelson, a former Labor cabinet minister and European trade commissioner, is awaiting final signing for the prestigious post. Dame Karen Pierce, the current British ambassador, will continue to represent the government at President Trump’s inauguration while the US team makes a decision.
A leading figure at Republicans Overseas, Greg Swenson, acknowledged concerns about Mandelson’s ties and past disagreements with the Republican Party. He pointed to an existing “political difference” between Labor in Britain and the resurgent Republicans in the US, but he expects both parties to work together once the nomination 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. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage suggested Keir Starmer was “making the worst possible start” to the Trump administration by tapping such a high-profile New Labor figure.
However, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Darren Jones and others at Number 10 have backed Mandelson, praising him as a “world-recognised senior statesman”. The colleague has tried to temper past criticism of President Trump — once calling him “reckless” — by highlighting Trump’s “instincts to talk straight and make deals” in a recent Fox News article.
Political insiders note that the final decision on an 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 strong relations. This means Mandelson’s extensive experience in global trade could prove valuable in navigating the next phase of Britain-US relations.