Former Cabinet heavyweight Peter Mandelson is set to become Britain’s new ambassador to the United States, bringing his extensive experience in business and trade to the role.
Peter Mandelson, a former Cabinet heavyweight in Tony Blair’s government, is set to become Britain’s new ambassador to the United States. The announcement on his role as ambassador is expected from No.10 Downing Street Friday.
Mandelson has a proven track record on business matters and will be crucial as the U.K. tries to shore up its trading relationship with the U.S. and boost economic growth. He has served as European commissioner for trade for a four-year stint in the 2000s, and currently has a seat in the House of Lords.
Mandelson’s ministerial experience, as well as his stint as a European trade commissioner, had helped him win out over rivals for the coveted job. Another person with knowledge of the appointment talked Mandelson up as a big character able to make an impact with Donald Trump.
Crucial issues likely to be in his in-tray include trying to shore up U.S. support for Ukraine under a Trump administration and ensuring the U.K. economy isn’t hammered by import tariffs threatened by the incoming president-elect.
Mandelson has also called on the U.K. government to find a way to move past its ongoing feud with Trump ally Elon Musk, warning it would be “unwise to ignore” the tech tycoon despite his strident criticism of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
- theguardian.com | Peter Mandelson to be announced as UK’s next US ambassador
- politico.eu | Peter Mandelson will be UKs next US ambassador – POLITICO
