Peter Mandelson ‘to be announced as UK’s next US ambassador’

Peter Mandelson is set to become Britain’s next ambassador to the US, the first time a politician has been appointed to the role for almost half a century.

It is understood that Keir Starmer is about to announce that Lord Mandelson, a former Labour minister and European commissioner for trade, has been given the role and will take over as Donald Trump begins his second term as president.

The news comes as the UK prepares for challenging changes in trade relations with the US under the president-elect.

The prime minister believes that Mandelson, a former Labour MP who now sits in the House of Lords, has the trade expertise and networking abilities to bolster the UK’s interests during this “delicate period” for its relationship with the US, according to a report published in the Times.

A government source told 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.

“We’re sending someone close to the prime minister with unrivalled political and policy experience, particularly on the crucial issue of trade. He’s the ideal candidate to represent the UK’s economic and security interests in the USA.”

More to follow…